Bayonet Half-Mold Locking Mechanism for Injection Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing molding devices for manufacturing containers, such as bottles, require complex and costly fastening mechanisms that necessitate tool usage and prolonged assembly/disassembly times, increasing manufacturing costs and intervention times.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of bayonet-style fixing means with transversely fixed second elements and elastic return mechanisms, allowing for quick and tool-free assembly/disassembly of half-molds using pneumatic control, reducing the complexity and cost of fastening systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex fastening mechanisms are used to securely attach half-molds to mold carriers, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is segmented into two distinct parts: fixing elements integrated into the half-mold and corresponding receiving elements integrated into the mold carrier. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and simplified, eliminating the need for complex external fastening mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment through the complementary geometry of the segmented components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements and receiving elements are merged directly into the half-mold and mold carrier structures respectively, rather than being separate fastening components. This merging eliminates additional fastening mechanism complexity while ensuring reliable attachment through the integrated complementary shapes that engage directly with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional screw-based fastening means are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly and disassembly time increases due to tool requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are designed with complementary shapes that enable self-alignment and self-engagement during assembly, and self-release during disassembly. The operator simply needs to guide the half-mold into position where the fixing elements automatically engage with the receiving elements, eliminating the need for tools and reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using threaded fastening where one component actively fastens to another, the invention inverts the approach by using complementary shapes where one component's fixing elements passively engage with the other component's receiving elements. This inversion allows for tool-free assembly by simply bringing the components together in the correct orientation, while disassembly is achieved by reversing the motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts are included in fastening mechanisms, then adjustable positioning is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning adjustabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention achieves positioning adaptability by varying the geometric parameters of the fixing elements and receiving elements rather than using multiple moving parts. Different shapes, sizes, and orientations of the complementary elements provide adjustable positioning capabilities while maintaining a simple, fixed-structure fastening mechanism that is easier and less costly to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2475510B1Molding device provided with means for attaching a half-mold onto a mold holder by locking
Publication Date: 2013.10.09 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS
  • EP2475510B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2475510B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2475510B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a molding device (20), comprising: two half-molds (60), each of which is provided with a half-cavity (26) having a main vertical axis, and each of which comprises a transverse vertical joint surface (28) longitudinally directed toward the front and an outer opposite surface (30); two mold holders (42), each of which is provided with a recess (50) for receiving an associated half-mold (60) in a mounted position; and means (62, 64) for attaching, by vertical locking, at least one first attachment element (62) of the half-mold (60) to an associated second attachment element (64), having a complementary shape, of a vertical edge (54) of the recess (42), characterized in that the second attachment means (64) is attached transversely relative to the mold holder (42).