Storage Device for Printing Screen Masks With Retractable Moving Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

The configuration of existing printing devices with multiple storing shelves for screen masks is complicated due to the need for belt conveyors for loading and unloading, making the process of exchanging screen masks cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a transfer stage and a target object moving section that can retract to allow placement sections to pass, simplifying the loading and unloading process by eliminating the need for target object moving sections in all placement sections, and enabling the storage device to handle various exchange target objects such as screen masks, cartridges, squeegees, and cleaning members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If multiple storing shelves with belt conveyors are provided for each screen mask, then the loading and unloading of screen masks can be automated, but the device configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of loading and unloadingVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the target object moving sections into a single shared resource on the transfer stage that serves multiple placement sections, rather than having separate moving sections in each placement section. This consolidation reduces the number of components while maintaining automated loading and unloading functionality across all screen mask positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The target object moving section on the transfer stage is designed to serve multiple placement sections universally. It can move different target objects (screen masks, cartridges, squeegees, cleaning members) to and from any placement section as needed, making a single component perform the function that previously required multiple dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a target object moving section is provided in each placement section, then each section can independently move target objects, but the overall device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent target object movementVSAvoidnumber of moving sections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent target object moving sections into a single moving section located on the transfer stage. This unified moving section handles target objects for all placement sections centrally, reducing component count while preserving the ability to service each placement section independently when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the target object moving section is fixed and cannot retract, then it can continuously move target objects, but it interferes with the movement of placement sections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget object movement efficiencyVSAvoidplacement section mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The target object moving section is designed with dynamic retraction capability, allowing it to move between an extended position for moving target objects and a retracted position that clears the path for placement sections. This dynamic adjustment enables both efficient target object handling and unobstructed placement section movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The target object moving section retracts in a direction that allows placement sections to pass by in another dimension, resolving the spatial conflict between these two moving components and enabling their coordinated operation without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3804993B1Storage device and printing system
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 FUJI CORP
  • EP3804993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3804993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3804993B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A storage device is used in a printing device that includes a printing section configured to perform a viscous fluid printing process on a printing target using an exchange target object including a screen mask. The storage device includes a storage section having a transfer stage for loading and unloading the exchange target object to and from the printing section, the storage section being configured to accommodate multiple placement sections, each for placing the exchange target object, and to store the exchange target object, a placement section moving section configured to move any one of the placement sections to the transfer stage, and a target object moving section disposed on the transfer stage, the target object moving section being configured to move between a retracted position allowing the placement section to pass and an abutting position abutting against the exchange target object on the placement section and to move the exchange target object in a loading/unloading direction while abutting against the exchange target object at the abutting position.