Ball Spreader Moulding and Assembly Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing ball spreaders are limited by slow production velocity and require significant space due to manual assembly and separate supply lines for multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving moulding of a plastic ball housing and cover, where the ball is positioned under pressure within the mould, and the cover is connected using an actuator, allowing for assembly within the mould and reducing the need for manual labor and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly is used to assemble the ball, ball housing, and cover, then the production process is simple and flexible, but the production velocity is slow and depends on the number of operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ball, ball housing, and cover assembly operations into a single integrated mould. The mould contains multiple cavities that simultaneously form all three components and automatically assemble them through the mould's internal mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual assembly steps and significantly increasing production velocity
Solution Approach 2:
The single mould serves multiple functions: it forms the ball housing, forms the cover, positions the ball, and performs the assembly operation all in one device. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate tools and manual operations
2Area of stationary object
If separate supply lines are used for ball, ball housing, and cover, then each component can be manufactured independently, but the production space required is large due to multiple supply lines and assembly zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manufacturing operations into a single mould location. All three components are formed and assembled within the same mould body, eliminating the need for separate supply lines and reducing the production footprint to just the mould and its immediate support structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mould design nests multiple cavities and assembly features within a single compact structure. The ball housing cavity, cover cavity, and ball positioning mechanism are all integrated within the mould body, creating a space-efficient configuration that produces multiple components in one location
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 method accelerates production by eliminating the need for manual assembly and minimizes space requirements by integrating assembly within the moulding process.
Implementation Method 1
The positioning of the ball 2 on the ball housing 3 is preferably done under pressure
Implementation Method 2
The step of connecting the cover 4 to the ball housing 3 is preferably done by screwing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for realising a ball spreader (1 ) comprising: a spreading ball (2) of a fluid product, a ball housing (3), a closing cover (4), said method comprising the steps of: realising by moulding said ball housing (3) in a mould (5) which assumes a closed configuration in which two half-moulds (51, 52) are reciprocally neared for defining a first moulding chamber (53) of the ball housing (3) and an open configuration in which the two half-moulds (51, 52) are reciprocally distanced; positioning said mould (5) in the open configuration and introducing said ball (2) inside the mould (5) positioning the ball (2) on the ball housing (3) inside the mould (5); connecting said cover (4) to the ball housing (3).