Screen Printing System Series Substrate Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component mounting lines face challenges in performing screen printing on multiple substrates in parallel without upsizing the screen printing apparatus, as they require parallel arrangement of substrate supply apparatuses orthogonal to the substrate conveyance direction.
Innovation Solution
A screen printing system with a first and second substrate supply apparatus and a screen printing apparatus that includes a mask with distinct pattern regions, a substrate holding mechanism, and a print head, allowing for selective printing on substrates from both supply apparatuses without the need for parallel arrangement of supply apparatuses, enabling parallel processing of multiple substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If substrate supply apparatuses are arranged in parallel orthogonal to the substrate conveyance direction, then multiple substrates can be supplied in parallel, but the screen printing apparatus must be upsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from parallel (orthogonal to conveyance direction) to series (along the conveyance direction). The substrate supply apparatuses are arranged sequentially in the conveyance path, with the first substrate supply apparatus receiving substrates from the second substrate supply apparatus upstream, then conveying them to the screen printing apparatus. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple substrate types to be supplied without expanding the screen printing apparatus footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate supply apparatus acts as an intermediary between the second substrate supply apparatus and the screen printing apparatus. It receives substrates from the second supply apparatus, holds them, and conveys them to the screen printing apparatus when needed. This intermediary role allows the system to manage multiple substrate types through a single conveyance path without requiring the screen printing apparatus to be oversized.
2Adaptability or versatility
If substrate supply apparatuses are arranged in parallel, then multiple kinds of substrates can be supplied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies device complexity by reorganizing the spatial arrangement from parallel to series configuration along the conveyance direction. This single-file arrangement reduces the complexity of coordinating multiple parallel supply paths while maintaining the capability to supply different substrate types through sequential processing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate supply apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a substrate holder, a conveyance mechanism, and a coordination point between the second supply apparatus and the screen printing apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each substrate type, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If substrate supply apparatuses are arranged in parallel, then parallel substrate supply is achieved, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes space utilization by arranging substrate supply apparatuses in series along the conveyance direction rather than in parallel orthogonal to it. This linear arrangement compactly organizes the apparatuses within the available space, eliminating the need for wide lateral expansion while maintaining the capability to supply multiple substrate types through sequential processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen printing system includes a first substrate supply apparatus, a second substrate supply apparatus arranged in an upstream process side of the first substrate supply apparatus, and a screen printing apparatus that prints paste on a first substrate supplied from the first substrate supply apparatus and a second substrate supplied from the second substrate supply apparatus. In response to a request from the screen printing apparatus, the first substrate supply part supplies the first substrate and the second substrate supply part supplies the second substrate. The second substrate is carried in the screen printing apparatus by a conveyance mechanism included in the first substrate supply apparatus.