Quick-release squeegee clamp for automated screen printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for swapping out squeegees in industrial screen-printing machines are awkward, time-consuming, and not suitable for automated processes, limiting efficiency and automation potential.
Innovation Solution
A clamp actuated by the squeegee drive of the print head, which uses first and second bars connected via a resiliently deformable biasing member to apply a clamping force to the squeegee module, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without additional actuation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex release mechanism is used to detach squeegees, then the squeegee can be released from the print head, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of squeegee attachment and release into a simple clamp mechanism that can be independently actuated. The clamp is separated from the main print head structure and can be controlled separately, allowing squeegee release without complex integrated mechanisms. This extraction principle reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to release the squeegee from a locked position, the invention uses a simple clamp that defaults to a clamped (attached) state and can be easily opened. The biasing member provides the releasing force automatically when the actuator retracts, inverting the traditional approach where active force is needed to maintain attachment.
2Productivity
If manual squeegee swapping is used, then the operation can be performed with simple mechanisms, but the productivity is reduced and automation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the existing squeegee drive's vertical movement. The actuator's linear movement automatically translates into clamping and releasing actions through the biasing member, without requiring separate control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service capability enables both manual and automated operation with the same simple mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment during printing operations, enables rapid release for swapping, and works with both manual and automated squeegee drive systems. The same basic structure adapts to different operation modes, increasing productivity without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Loss of time
If additional actuation means are added to the print head, then the squeegee can be quickly released, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the squeegee drive's vertical movement function with the clamp actuation function. The existing actuator that moves the squeegee up and down is also used to actuate the clamp mechanism. This combining of functions eliminates the need for additional actuation means, reducing device complexity while maintaining fast swapping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary that converts the actuator's linear movement into the clamping force needed to attach and release the squeegee. This mechanical intermediary allows the simple actuator to control the complex clamping action without requiring additional motors or actuators, reducing overall system complexity while achieving rapid swapping.
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
The clamp enables fast and convenient swapping of squeegees, both manually and automatically, improving operational efficiency and facilitating automation in the SMT industry.
Implementation Method 1
first and second bars connected together via a resiliently deformable biasing member, such that the first and second bars are biased away from a release configuration into a clamping configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A clamp for attaching a squeegee module to a print head which is operated by a standard squeegee drive of the print head. The clamp has two connected bars biased away from a release configuration in which the bars are relatively close to a clamping configuration in which the bars are relatively distant from each other, the arrangement being such that, in use, the clamp is located intermediate the squeegee module and the print head with the first bar proximate the squeegee module and the second bar proximate the print head and, when in the clamping configuration, the lower surface of the first bar and the upper surface of the second bar are biased into contact with respective parts of the squeegee module to apply a clamping force thereto.