Screen Printing Squeegee Control via Link Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen printing apparatuses require complex and expensive mechanisms with two motors to change the lowering amount and tilt angle of squeegees, making them cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

A screen printing apparatus with a squeegee driver that lifts/lowers two shafts and a link mechanism with a swinging member, allowing for control of the squeegee unit's height and orientation, enabling the lowering amount and tilt angle to be adjusted with a simpler configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If two motors are used to change the lowering amount and tilt angle of squeegees, then the printing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate motors into a single motor that drives both the lowering amount and tilt angle adjustments of the squeegee through a integrated mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining printing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions - controlling both the vertical lowering and angular tilting of the squeegee - making one component serve multiple purposes that previously required two separate motors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If two motors are used to control squeegee positioning, then the printing precision is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the control functions of two motors into a single motor system, the patent reduces component count and associated costs while preserving the ability to achieve precise printing through coordinated motion control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex mechanism with two motors is used, then the squeegee control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesqueegee control precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of two motor controls into a single motor system simplifies the operational interface and control logic, making the system easier to operate while maintaining precise control through unified actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11285713B2Screen printing apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.29 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US11285713B2 patent drawing
  • US11285713B2 patent drawing
  • US11285713B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A screen printing apparatus includes a squeegee driver that lifts/lowers a first lifting/lowering shaft and a second lifting/lowering shaft; a link mechanism including a swinging member that pivots about a horizontal axis by lifting/lowering operations of the first lifting/lowering shaft and the second lifting/lowering shaft; a squeegee unit installed to the swinging member; and a controller that controls at least a height of the squeegee unit and an orientation of the squeegee unit in a rotating direction by controlling the squeegee driver.