Blow Mold Segment Locking Element for Rapid Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting blow mold segments in blowing stations require significant labor and time for changes, especially when using direct screw attachment or snap locks, as multiple screws need to be loosened and retightened for product changes.
Innovation Solution
A locking element that utilizes both positive locking and frictional locking mechanisms, allowing for simultaneous loosening and tightening without screw connections, enabling quick exchange of blow mold segments by transitioning through frictional and positive-locking connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If direct screw attachment is used to mount blow mold segments, then the connection strength is improved, but the time required for changing segments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two functional parts: a locking portion that engages with the support element to provide strong connection, and a release portion that can be manually actuated to quickly release the locking portion. This segmentation allows the system to maintain strength during operation while enabling rapid changes when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic mechanism that can be quickly locked and unlocked. The locking element can be moved between a locked position (providing strong connection) and an unlocked position (allowing quick removal), enabling the system to adapt between maintaining strength and enabling rapid changes.
2Loss of time
If snap lock elements are used to mount blow mold segments, then the changing time is reduced, but multiple screws still need to be loosened and retightened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the locking action, the release action, and the mechanical connection all in one element. This eliminates the need to separately manage multiple screws for loosening and retightening, as the single locking element handles all these operations through its designed mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be self-actuating through manual manipulation of the release portion, which automatically disengages the locking portion without requiring complex multi-step operations. The mechanism serves itself by converting simple manual input into the complete locking and unlocking sequence.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are used for mounting blow mold segments, then the connection reliability is improved, but the labor required for changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into a locking portion that maintains reliable connection through engagement with the support element, and a release portion that enables quick disengagement. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability during operation while enabling high productivity during changes through the separated release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-configured with the release portion that can be manually actuated to disengage the locking portion before actual removal is needed. This preliminary preparation of the release mechanism allows for rapid changes without requiring time-consuming multi-screw operations, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
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 significantly reduces the time required for changing blow mold segments, allowing for a change in less than a minute, enhancing efficiency and simplifying the handling process.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is designed to hold the blow mold segment in place with both positive locking and frictional locking
Implementation Method 2
The locking element is designed to hold the blow mold segment in place with both positive locking and frictional locking
Data Source
AI summary
The device according to the invention serves to retain a blow mould segment in the region of a blow molding station which is provided with a support element for the blow mould segment. The blow mould segment can be detachably fixed in the region of the support element by at least one locking element. The locking element is designed so as to provide both positively locking retention and non-positively locking retention of the blow mould segment.