Settle Blow Air Baffle Assembly for Glassware Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glassware forming machines face inefficiencies in delivering settle blow air to blank molds, leading to suboptimal glass distribution and increased cycle times due to the lack of a controlled air passage system.
Innovation Solution
A baffle assembly comprising a baffle head, holder, and outer ring that controls the passage of settle blow air by creating a seal to build pressure and then releasing it into the mold cavity, with channels for cooling and venting, allowing immediate and efficient air delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If settle blow air is supplied to the blank mold without a controlled passage system, then the air can reach the mold cavity, but the air delivery is delayed and pressure is not optimized, leading to increased cycle times and suboptimal glass distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly is positioned in advance within the air delivery path, pre-configured to seal and build pressure. When activated, it immediately releases the accumulated high-pressure air into the mold cavity, eliminating delivery delays and reducing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The air delivery system is segmented into distinct zones: the supply line, the controllable passage through the baffle assembly, and the mold cavity. This segmentation allows independent control of air pressure and flow timing, optimizing both productivity and eliminating delays.
2Productivity
If a baffle assembly is introduced to control air passage, then immediate and full-pressure air delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls air passage timing, builds pressure through sealing, provides cooling channels for thermal management, and offers venting capability. This multi-functionality achieves immediate air delivery without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels and air passage control functions are merged into a single integrated baffle assembly structure. The conical bore and annular face combine pressure-building sealing with cooling flow paths, reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Stress or pressure
If the baffle head seals against the outer ring to build pressure, then immediate full-pressure air delivery is achieved, but the sealing surfaces require precise alignment and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The conical bore and conical outer surface provide curved, self-aligning sealing surfaces that are more tolerant of misalignment than flat surfaces. The conical geometry guides the baffle head into proper alignment during insertion, maintaining reliable sealing and consistent high-pressure delivery.
4Temperature
If cooling channels are provided in the baffle head, then thermal management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are merged with the structural body of the baffle head, using the same material volume to provide both mechanical strength and thermal management. The channels are integrated into the conical bore structure rather than being separate add-on components.
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 solution reduces cycle time and improves glassware forming efficiency by ensuring immediate and full-pressure air delivery to the mold cavity, while providing cooling and venting functions, enhancing the glass distribution and forming process.
Implementation Method 1
the conical outer surface of the baffle head is in facing engagement with the conical inner surface of the outer ring and provides a seal that substantially prevents air flow between the engaged surfaces
Implementation Method 2
supply air under pressure to the blank mold to settle the gobs in the blank mold
Implementation Method 3
channels on its conical outer surface to permit passage of some air between the baffle head and conical inner surface of the outer ring when they are engaged which desirably provides some cooling of the baffle head
Data Source
AI summary
A baffle assembly for controlling settle blow air delivery to a blank mold of a glassware forming machine, includes a baffle head, a holder and an outer ring. The baffle head has an air impervious base, a conical outer surface and an annular face. The holder has an air passage that opens at a position outside of the baffle head base. The outer ring has a first portion that slidably surrounds the holder, a second portion that surrounds the baffle head and has a conical inner surface, and a third portion for selectively engaging the mold and having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the baffle head base. The baffle assembly is adapted for displacement through an intermediate position in which the baffle head separates from the outer ring so that settle blow air flows between the outer ring and the baffle head, and into the mold.