Tensioned Printing Screen Frame With Cantilevered Resilient Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-precision screen printing methods face challenges with bulky and costly frame assemblies, difficulty in removing screens without damage, limited tension adjustment, and susceptibility to automation, particularly for thin screens requiring sub-micron accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a frame with cantilevered tensioning arrangements that apply pre-tensioning force by deflecting resilient elements into contact with abutments, securing the screen, and releasing the force to maintain tension, allowing for adjustable and predictable tensioning of the printing screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid frame with spring-biased pins is used to tension the screen, then the screen can be removed and re-mounted, but the frame becomes mechanically complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tensioning function from the frame structure itself and places it in separate tensioning elements. These elements can be independently attached and detached from the frame, allowing the screen to be removed and re-mounted without requiring complex integrated mechanisms in the frame. The tensioning elements are simple components that can be easily manufactured and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into separate functional components: the frame structure itself and independent tensioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame provides structural support while the tensioning elements provide the tensioning function. This reduces the mechanical complexity of any single component while maintaining overall functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a pneumatic bladder system is used to tension the screen, then the screen can be easily mounted and tension adjusted, but the frame requires ongoing maintenance of the pneumatic system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with a mechanical tensioning element system. Instead of using air pressure to tension the screen, simple mechanical elements are used that can be manually or automatically attached to the frame. This eliminates the need for pneumatic components, hoses, and control systems, thereby eliminating ongoing maintenance requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. Rather than maintaining a complex pneumatic system, the patent uses simple mechanical elements that have no moving parts to wear or fail, reducing maintenance needs while keeping the system easy to operate.
3Ease of operation
If hooks are used to mount the screen to movable members, then the mounting is simple, but the tension is limited by the hook strength which is problematic for very thin screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the tensioning parameters to be adjusted by selecting different tensioning element configurations and materials. The tensioning elements can be designed with varying degrees of stiffness and strength to match the specific requirements of different screen materials, including very thin screens. This enables optimization of the tension-carrying capacity without compromising mounting simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning elements can be constructed from composite materials or materials with specific mechanical properties that provide both sufficient strength for thin screens and the necessary flexibility for easy mounting. This allows the system to achieve high tension capacity while maintaining ease of operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If thin foil screens are used for sub-micron printing accuracy, then the printing precision is improved, but the screens are prone to damage during storage and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides support for the thin foil screens through the tensioning element system that distributes loads evenly across the screen. The frame structure and tensioning elements are designed to minimize stress concentrations that could cause damage to thin screens during mounting, handling, and storage. This beforehand protection allows thin screens to maintain their integrity while achieving sub-micron printing accuracy.
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
This approach enables efficient, precise, and adjustable tensioning of printing screens, reducing material costs and damage risks, while facilitating automation and improved handling of thin, high-precision screens.
Implementation Method 1
releasing the pre-tensioning force from the first tensioning arrangement so as to apply tension to the printing screen
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a printing screen assembly, a frame for a printing screen and method for their construction. The printing screen assembly has a frame (310) with an elongate first frame member (320, 320a) and an elongate second frame member (320, 320b) parallel to the first frame member (320, 320a) and in fixed relation thereto; and a corresponding cantilevered first and second tensioning arrangement (326) extending from each frame member (320) along a length thereof. A predictable pre-tensioning force may be applied by resiliently deflecting the tensioning arrangements (326) into contact with an abutment arrangement (328) and securing a printing screen to an attachment portion (326b) of the first tensioning arrangement (326a), while the first tensioning arrangement (326) is in contact with the first abutment arrangement (326a). The frame may be formed by preselecting the resilience of the tensioning arrangement (326) so as to preselect the tension applied when tensioning a printing screen in use.