Actuator Cooling via Segmented Flow Path Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator cooling systems for injection molding machines face challenges such as clogged or corroded coolant flow paths, which require replacing the entire actuator and are difficult to maintain, and liquid cooling jackets may not provide sufficient cooling due to air layers and increased thermal resistance.
Innovation Solution
The actuator features a recessed portion on its outer surface for pipe-shaped flow path members, allowing for easy attachment and replacement of pipe-shaped flow path members, enhancing maintainability and coolant flow path provision, and uses a meandering flow path design to avoid interference with the actuator case while ensuring effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid cooling jackets are used for actuator cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but thermal resistance increases due to air layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer medium (coolant) as an intermediary substance that flows through channels in the actuator case to transfer heat from the motor to the external cooling system. This mediator eliminates the air layer thermal resistance problem by providing continuous liquid contact between the heat source and cooling medium, enabling efficient heat removal without direct motor-casing thermal contact issues.
2Temperature
If flow paths are formed by processing the actuator case, then cooling is achieved, but the entire actuator must be replaced when flow paths become clogged or corroded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into two independent parts: the actuator case (housing) and the flow path members (coolant channels). The flow path members are made as separate, detachable components that can be independently removed, cleaned, or replaced without replacing the entire actuator. This segmentation enables targeted maintenance of the cooling channels while preserving the motor and other actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flow path members from the actuator case structure, making them removable components. The flow path members are designed to be taken out from the actuator case for separate maintenance, allowing technicians to access and service the cooling channels without disassembling or replacing the entire actuator assembly. This extraction principle directly addresses the maintenance difficulty of integrated flow paths.
3Ease of repair
If pipe-shaped flow path members are attached to outer surfaces, then maintainability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow path members with the actuator case outer surface structure, attaching the cooling channels directly to the case exterior. This integration combines the housing and cooling system into a unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device. The merged design maintains ease of repair while avoiding excessive complexity by consolidating rather than adding separate systems.
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 design improves maintainability by simplifying the replacement of flow path members and enhances cooling efficiency by providing a continuous flow path without the need for complex manufacturing of liquid cooling jackets, effectively managing heat generation in high-cycle molding processes.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant flow path through which a coolant flows is formed in an actuator case
Implementation Method 2
dissipation of the heat that is generated during use is performed by air cooling by means of, for example, a fan disposed around the actuator or liquid cooling by means of a coolant such as water flowing near an actuator case
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An actuator (1, 11) for mounting on an injection molding machine includes an actuator case (2) constituting the exterior of the actuator (1) and having an outer surface (Se) provided with a flow path through which a coolant flows, the actuator case (2) has a recessed portion (7) and/or protrusion (27) for a flow path provided as a part of the outer surface (Se) on the outer surface (Se) of the actuator case (2).