Adjustable Side Element for Casting Mould Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side elements for forming casting moulds are complex, inflexible, and heavy, requiring numerous additional elements for varying heights, leading to storage issues, increased costs, and difficulties in achieving precise thicknesses, which complicates manufacturing and results in suboptimal surface quality.
Innovation Solution
A side element with stepless adjustment means using plate material and lightening openings, equipped with guide and locking mechanisms, allowing for precise height adjustment without the need for multiple additional elements, and featuring magnetic attachments for easy handling and attachment to a steel table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple additional elements of different heights are used to adjust side element height, then the casting mould can accommodate various panel thicknesses, but the system becomes complicated and requires extensive storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple discrete additional elements into a single side element with an integrated adjustable height mechanism. The height adjustment is achieved through an internal telescopic structure where segments can be extended or retracted, eliminating the need for separate additional elements of different heights and their associated storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The side element is designed with universal adaptability through a height adjustment mechanism that can accommodate various panel thicknesses using a single device. The telescopic structure allows the same side element to perform the function of multiple different-height elements, making it a multi-functional component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional elements are attached to increase side element height, then the casting mould can accommodate thicker insulation, but the side element becomes heavy requiring overhead cranes or robots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height adjustment functionality into the basic side element structure itself, using a telescopic mechanism that extends or retracts segments. This integration eliminates the need for heavy additional elements while maintaining the ability to accommodate various panel thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The side element incorporates a dynamic height adjustment mechanism with telescopic segments that can be extended or retracted as needed. This dynamic structure allows the side element to change its height configuration without adding permanent weight, enabling adaptation to different panel thicknesses using the same lightweight base structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spacer plates are used to adjust side element height, then the height can be changed, but the spacer plate is subject to great strain and casting mass enters the grooves requiring labourious cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the height adjustment mechanism directly into the side element structure, eliminating separate spacer plates. The telescopic segments are part of the side element itself, removing the interfaces between separate components where casting mass could accumulate and require cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic spacer plate component from the system. By integrating the height adjustment function into the side element's own telescopic structure, the design removes the grooves and interfaces between separate parts that trap casting mass, thereby eliminating the cleaning issue associated with spacer plates.
4Measurement precision
If numerous spacer plates of different heights are stored for height adjustment, then the desired side element height can be achieved, but storage space is required and height can only be set in steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of numerous discrete spacer plates into a single side element with a continuous height adjustment mechanism. The telescopic segments can be extended or retracted to achieve precise height settings without requiring multiple separate components, enabling continuous rather than stepped height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The side element employs a dynamic telescopic mechanism that allows continuous height adjustment within a range, replacing the static, discrete height settings provided by fixed-thickness spacer plates. This dynamic structure enables precise height positioning without the need to store multiple spacer plates of different thicknesses.
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
The solution enables versatile, lightweight side elements that can be easily adjusted for various panel thicknesses, reducing storage needs, simplifying manufacturing, and ensuring a smooth, even casting surface, while being suitable for both manual and automated production.
Implementation Method 1
powerful magnets can be used, by means of which the side element will remain precisely in place on the steel table during casting
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a side element for forming a casting mould. The side element (12) includes a basic element (14) and an additional element (15). The side element (12) also includes means (16) for attaching the basic element (14) and the additional element (15) to each other, in order to alter the height of the side element (12). The additional element (15) is arranged to form part of the side element (12) and the means (16) are arranged to form adjustment means (17) for adjusting the height of the side element (12). Between the basic element (14) and the additional element (15) there is a gap (40), which is arranged to be adjustable using the adjustment means (17), according to the insulation (42) belonging to the double-shell panel (41) being manufactured using the casting mould.