Annular to Linear Transfer Station for Injection Moldings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for transferring injection-molded parts, such as pipette tips, from an injection molding machine to packing containers is labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring manual grouping and adaptation to container patterns.
Innovation Solution
The method involves arranging injection-molded parts in an annular configuration, transferring them to a transfer station where they are reconfigured in-line, and then positioned to match a workpiece holder, allowing for direct transfer into packing containers with optional quality inspection, utilizing a withdrawal grab and a workpiece holder with movable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If injection-molded parts are transferred one by one in annular arrangement from injection molding machine to packing containers, then the transfer can be performed with simple equipment, but the transfer process is labor-intensive and inefficient requiring manual grouping and adaptation to container patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer process is segmented into distinct functional zones: an annular transfer zone for receiving parts from the injection molding machine, a linear transformation zone for reconfiguring parts into rows, and a packing zone for loading containers. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, improving overall transfer efficiency while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer station acts as an intermediary device between the injection molding machine and packing containers. It includes intermediate holding positions and transformation mechanisms that convert annular part arrangements into linear configurations, enabling automated transfer without manual intervention while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If injection-molded parts are manually grouped and adapted to packing container patterns, then the transfer process can be flexible, but it requires significant manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer station performs preliminary actions by pre-grouping parts into rows during the transfer process itself, before the actual packing operation. Parts are automatically arranged in linear configurations with proper spacing that matches packing container requirements, eliminating the need for subsequent manual grouping and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automatic grouping where the transfer station's mechanical components automatically arrange parts into required patterns without human intervention. The device uses transfer grippers and positioning mechanisms that self-adjust to create properly grouped arrangements, reducing both manual effort and time while preserving operational flexibility.
3Device complexity
If injection-molded parts are transferred in annular arrangement directly to packing containers, then the transfer process is simpler, but it does not match the positioning requirements of packing containers
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer station implements a dimensionality change by transforming parts from a two-dimensional annular arrangement to a one-dimensional linear arrangement. This transformation occurs through the linear transformation zone where transfer grippers reposition parts from circular paths to straight-line configurations, enabling compatibility with packing container positioning requirements while adding only moderate system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer station employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that can adjust the spacing and arrangement of parts during transfer. Transfer grippers and positioning components are designed to dynamically adapt their positions and orientations, allowing the system to match various packing container configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for transferring injection moldings, in particular pipette tips (P), out of an injection-molding machine into packaging containers (V1 to V4), comprising the following steps: removing the injection moldings (P) in an annular arrangement from a mold (W) of the injection-molding machine by way of a removable gripper (100), converting the annular arrangement into a row arrangement of the injection moldings (P) in a transfer station (101), positioning the injection moldings (P) in the transfer station (101) in a manner corresponding to the positioning in a workpiece carrier (102), and transferring the injection moldings (P) into the workpiece carrier (102) by way of the transfer station (101), whereupon the injection moldings (P) are inserted into the packaging containers (V1 to V4) from the workpiece carrier (102).