Apron Plate Hydraulic Gap Setting for Interchangeable Concrete Molds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting the apron plate gap in concrete product machines are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring manual measurement and adjustment every time a different mold assembly is installed, due to the need for accommodating varying dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An apron gap adjustment apparatus with a primary positioning cylinder and a gapper mechanism that automatically sets a desired gap between the apron plate and the mold assembly by injecting hydraulic fluid, allowing for reciprocal movement and consistent gap maintenance across different mold assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment and measurement is used to set the apron plate gap, then the gap can be adjusted to accommodate different mold assemblies, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores the required gap distances for different mold assemblies in a database. When a mold assembly is installed, the controller automatically retrieves the corresponding gap distance without requiring manual measurement or calculation, thus maintaining adaptability while significantly reducing adjustment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated hydraulic positioning system controlled by a controller. The controller actuates the hydraulic cylinder to precisely position the apron plate at the required gap distance, eliminating manual measurement and adjustment operations while maintaining the ability to accommodate different mold assemblies
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is performed frequently to accommodate different mold assemblies, then dimensional differences can be accommodated, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual position of the apron plate and provides feedback to the controller. The controller compares the actual position with the target gap distance retrieved from the database and automatically adjusts the hydraulic cylinder to achieve the precise gap, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The automated positioning system serves multiple functions: it can accommodate different mold assemblies by retrieving various gap distances from the database, automatically position the apron plate, and maintain consistent gaps across different production scenarios, replacing multiple manual operations with a single universal automated system
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
Enables efficient and automatic setting of a consistent gap between the apron plate and mold assemblies, reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency by accommodating mold assemblies of varying dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
A gapper mechanism is in fluid communication with the primary apron plate positioning cylinder and is configured to set a desired gap between the machine apron plate and the mold assembly by injecting an index amount of hydraulic fluid into fluid communication with the primary apron plate positioning cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Concrete product machine apron gap adjustment by actuating a gapper mechanism to set a desired gap between a reciprocally-movable apron plate and an interchangeably installable mold assembly installed in a concrete products machine. The gapper mechanism sets a desired gap between the machine apron plate and the mold assembly by injecting an index amount of hydraulic fluid into fluid communication with the rod side of a primary apron plate positioning cylinder, causing the machine's apron plate to retreat a desired gap distance away from an engaged position against the mold assembly.