Adjustable Sprue Bar Assembly for Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprue bar assemblies for injection molding are designed for specific mold shut heights and are not adaptable to variations in mold assembly dimensions due to wear or changes in mold components, limiting their applicability and requiring separate apparatus for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A sprue bar assembly with a length adjusting device using a wedge member and transverse position adjustment mechanism, allowing the overall length of the assembly to be set, enabling it to accommodate various mold shut heights and maintain fluid communication between a melt source and mold cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sprue bar assemblies are designed for specific mold shut heights, then the apparatus can maintain precise fluid communication and melt delivery for that configuration, but the apparatus cannot accommodate variations in mold assembly dimensions due to wear or changes in mold components
Solution Approach 1:
The sprue bar assembly incorporates an adjustable length mechanism that allows the assembly to be dynamically reconfigured to different lengths. This enables the apparatus to adapt to varying mold shut heights while maintaining reliable fluid communication, resolving the contradiction between fixed-configuration reliability and adaptability to dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the physical parameter of the sprue bar assembly length to match different mold configurations. By adjusting the assembly length, the apparatus can accommodate wear or changes in mold components while preserving proper fluid communication, thus resolving the contradiction between precise fit for specific configurations and adaptability to variations.
2Reliability
If separate apparatus are used for different mold configurations, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific configuration, but the overall device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprue bar assembly is designed with adjustable length capability, allowing a single apparatus to perform multiple functions across different mold configurations. This eliminates the need for separate optimized apparatus for each configuration, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable performance through the universal adjustable design.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sprue bar assembly length is fixed, then the manufacturing precision and assembly simplicity are improved, but the ability to accommodate wear or refurbishment changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable length mechanism transforms the fixed sprue bar assembly into a dynamic, reconfigurable component. This allows the assembly to be adjusted for wear or refurbishment changes while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and adaptability.
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 adjustable sprue bar assembly ensures reliable melt delivery across a range of mold assembly configurations, reducing the need for multiple apparatus and accommodating changes due to wear or refurbishment, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the length adjusting device comprising a wedge member
Implementation Method 2
at least one tubular body having a passage there through providing fluid communication between a source of melt and a plurality of mold cavities
Implementation Method 3
the interface member having a nozzle passage there through for conducting melt between the tubular body and a mold interface member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for conducting melt in stack mold arrangements comprises at least one tubular body having a passage there through for conveying melt, an interface member mounted to at least one tubular body at a terminus of the passage for conducting melt between the tubular body and a mating mold member engaged by the interface member, and a length adjusting device interposed between the interface member and the tubular body and having a wedge member and means for setting the transverse position of the wedge member relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body whereby the overall length of the combined tubular body and interface member is established. A sprue bar assembly comprises a sprue bar segment, a nozzle and a length adjusting device interposed between the nozzle and the sprue bar segment having an adjustable wedge member for establishing the overall length of the sprue bar assembly.