Stencil Printing Frame with Interlocking Abutting Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stencil frames for printing systems are prone to damage during storage and use due to lack of structural rigidity and tensioning issues, leading to potential user injuries from sharp edges and inefficient storage.
Innovation Solution
A stencil printing frame with a single-piece border member featuring interlocking corners with abutting faces to prevent movement and distortion, made from a resilient material like aluminum, which is pre-tensioned by attaching a foil sheet using mechanical or chemical means, ensuring stability and compatibility with conventional tensioning devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the foil stencil is held in a preformed frame using gluing techniques, then the foil adopts the tension of the material, but the frame takes up a considerable amount of storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate corner pieces that can be assembled together, allowing the frame to be compact for storage while maintaining structural integrity and tensioning capability when assembled and used
Solution Approach 2:
The corner pieces are designed to nest within each other when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration that minimizes storage space while maintaining the frame's functional structure during use
2Stability of the object's composition
If retaining holes are etched in the foil sheet for direct fitting into a tensioning machine, then the foil can be tensioned, but the foil is prone to damage during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is pre-assembled with corner pieces that provide structural support and tensioning capability before the foil is attached, protecting the foil from damage during storage and handling while maintaining tensioning stability during use
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure between the tensioning machine and the foil, providing mechanical support and tensioning without requiring holes in the foil itself, thereby protecting the foil from damage while achieving the desired tensioning effect
3Ease of operation
If the foil stencil is stored without tension, then it is easier to handle, but the foil is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates flexible corner pieces that can dynamically adjust to provide tensioning when needed while allowing easy handling and compact storage when not in use, creating a system that transitions between different functional states
4Device complexity
If a traditional frame design is used, then the structure is simple, but sharp edges cause user injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The corner pieces are designed with specific local geometric features that create rounded or protected edges, eliminating sharp edges that cause injuries while maintaining the overall simplicity of the frame structure through the use of standardized corner piece designs
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The present invention provides a stencil printing frame comprising a border member (5) and a foil sheet (65) attached thereto, wherein the border member (5) is formed as a single piece having sides and corners that define the frame, the single piece having two ends interlocked to form a joint on one corner or side, and wherein at least one corner comprises abutting faces arranged to prevent relative movement of the faces. The invention further provides a method for forming the frame and for uses of the frame once formed.