Stencil Planarity Alignment for Multi-Planar Print Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial screen-printing machines lack reliable automatic correction for planar alignment errors, limiting the precision of multi-planar alignment between printing stencils and workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A planarity control mechanism that allows the stencil support to be selectively rotated about the X and Y axes, combined with a clamp assembly for rotation and translation during alignment, ensuring the stencil is parallel or at a predetermined angle to the workpiece, and preventing local movement along the X, Y, and Z axes when aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional two-degree-of-freedom alignment actuators are used for X-Y plane alignment, then alignment in the horizontal plane is achieved, but planar alignment errors in the Z-direction cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third degree of freedom by adding rotational actuators that enable the stencil support to rotate about the X and Y axes, thereby correcting planar alignment errors in the Z-direction. This transforms the alignment system from two-dimensional (X-Y plane) to three-dimensional (adding Z-plane correction), resolving the limitation of traditional alignment systems that could only operate in the horizontal plane.
2Ease of operation
If the stencil support is made movable for alignment adjustment, then alignment flexibility is improved, but stability during printing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the stencil support transitions between two states: during alignment, the support is movable and adjustable via actuators to achieve precise positioning; during printing, the support becomes fixed and stable to ensure printing quality. This dynamic switching between movable and fixed states resolves the contradiction between alignment flexibility and printing stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators are added for three-degree-of-freedom alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the actuator system such that the same actuators serve multiple functions: they enable both translational movement (X-Y alignment) and rotational movement (Z-plane correction) of the stencil support. This multi-functionality allows three-degree-of-freedom alignment precision to be achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the actuators are integrated into a unified control system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An alignment system (10) for a workpiece printing machine comprises a stencil support (14), a workpiece support (4) and a planarity control mechanism having at least two actuators (11, 12, 13) arranged to effect relative rotation of the stencil support (14) and workpiece support (4) about both the horizontal axes (X, Y).