Segmented Rotary Screen Squeegee for Uniform Print Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen printing machines with cylindrical cylinder molds and squeegees face issues with non-uniform squeegee pressure distribution, leading to premature wear and defects, as the pressure is high on the outside and low in the middle, requiring adjustments that either increase pressure at the edges or compromise the cylinder mold.
Innovation Solution
The squeegee is divided into individual, adjustable short squeegees that can be set to maintain consistent pressure across the cylinder mold width, with each squeegee's distance from the mold being adjustable, allowing for precise mechanical loading and improved service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the squeegee pressure is adjusted using only two screws on the left and right sides of the machine, then the squeegee pressure is increased at the outer edges of the rotary screen, but the squeegee pressure remains low in the center of the rotary screen
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee is divided into multiple individually adjustable sections (at least three sections: left, center, and right), each with its own adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of pressure at different locations, enabling high pressure at edges while maintaining appropriate pressure in the center, thus resolving the contradiction between edge pressure and print quality uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
Each squeegee section is equipped with local adjustment capabilities through individual screws or adjustment mechanisms positioned at specific locations (left side screw, right side screw, and center adjustment). This enables localized pressure optimization where each section can be tuned to provide the exact pressure needed for its specific position on the rotary screen, achieving both high edge pressure and uniform center pressure
2Stress or pressure
If the squeegee is adjusted further from the outside to increase pressure in the center of the rotary screen, then the squeegee pressure in the center is increased, but the pressure at the edges of the rotary screen increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the squeegee into independently adjustable sections, the system allows the center section to be adjusted without affecting edge sections. The center section can be moved closer to increase pressure where needed, while edge sections maintain their original positions, preventing excessive edge pressure and protecting the rotary screen from premature wear
Solution Approach 2:
Local adjustment mechanisms at each squeegee section enable independent pressure control. The center section can be locally optimized for pressure without transmitting excessive force to the edges, thus improving center print quality while preserving rotary screen strength and durability
3Device complexity
If a single squeegee covers the entire printing area, then the structure is simple, but the squeegee pressure cannot be adjusted uniformly across the entire width of the rotary screen
Solution Approach 1:
The squeegee is segmented into multiple adjustable sections while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each section has its own adjustment screw or mechanism, but the basic design remains straightforward. This segmentation provides adaptability for uniform pressure adjustment across the entire rotary screen width without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each squeegee section incorporates local adjustment capabilities through simple mechanisms like adjustment screws positioned at strategic locations. This allows the system to maintain simplicity while gaining the versatility to adjust pressure uniformly across the entire printing width, adapting to different printing requirements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a screen printing machine with a cylindrical rotary screen and a squeegee arranged in the rotary screen. According to the invention, the squeegee is divided into several individual short squeegees, each covering only a specific squeegee or print width to be printed, and its distance from the inside of the rotary screen transverse to the direction of rotation of the rotary screen is individually adjustable. This allows the distance of each individual short squeegee from the rotary screen to be set differently depending on its specific arrangement within the rotary screen, so that, in particular, the same squeegee pressure can be applied in the center of the rotary screen as at the outer ends, without subjecting the areas at the outer ends of the rotary screen to excessive squeegee pressure.