Screen Printing Machine Squeegee Receptacle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screen printing machines require time-consuming preparation work and limited utilization of squeegees due to the need to remove and replace screen masks, which often results in applying material dripping onto substrate conveying mechanisms, causing contamination and operational obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A screen printing machine design that includes a detachable screen mask, a squeegee that reciprocates above the mask, and a receptacle to catch any adhered material, allowing for screen mask replacement without removing the squeegee, thus simplifying attachment and detachment processes and improving squeegee versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the squeegee is removed when changing the screen mask, then the applying material can be prevented from dripping into the mask mounting area, but the preparation work becomes time-consuming and the versatility of squeegees cannot be fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factor (applying material) is extracted from the problematic location (mask mounting area) by redirecting it to a designated receptacle. The squeegee remains mounted while the receptacle captures the dripping material, separating the material containment function from the squeegee removal action.
Solution Approach 2:
A receptacle is introduced as an intermediary component between the squeegee and the mask mounting area. This receptacle intercepts the applying material that would otherwise drip onto the mask mounting area, allowing the squeegee to remain in place while still preventing contamination.
2Reliability
If the squeegee is removed when changing the screen mask, then the mask replacement can be performed cleanly, but the attachment and detachment work becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The complex removal and reattachment process is replaced by a simpler operation where only the screen mask is changed. The squeegee remains in place, and the receptacle is positioned to capture material during the simplified mask replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeegee is designed to be universally compatible with multiple screen masks and can remain mounted throughout mask changes. The receptacle serves multiple functions: catching dripping material, enabling mask changes without squeegee removal, and maintaining system cleanliness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the receptacle is fixed in position, then the applying material can be caught effectively, but the screen mask attachment and detachment is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent functional components: the fixed receptacle for catching material, the detachable screen mask for pattern changes, and the permanent squeegee for material application. This segmentation allows the receptacle to remain fixed while the mask is freely changeable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements (detachable screen mask) alongside static elements (fixed receptacle, permanent squeegee). The screen mask can be dynamically changed while the receptacle remains statically positioned to continue catching material throughout the process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces preparation time, prevents material from dripping onto the mask mounting area, and enhances maintainability by allowing for easy removal and replacement of the screen mask while keeping the squeegee mounted, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the receptacle is formed of a magnetic body and the mounting frame further includes a magnet for locking the receptacle
Data Source
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AI summary
A screen printing machine including: a screen mask 1 detachably mounted to a mask mounting area set in advance; a squeegee 91, which is arranged above the screen mask 1 mounted to the mask mounting area, and the squeegee 91 reciprocates relative to the screen mask 1 in a Y-axis direction (a squeegee-movement direction); and a receptacle 120 which is installed at a location so that the screen mask is allowed to be attached and detached 1 and which catches applying material adhered to the squeegee 91.