Blow Mould Fluid Coupling for Fast Mold Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection and disconnection of heat transfer fluid conduits to and from the mold in blow molding processes are difficult and time-consuming, requiring complex adjustments during mold changes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plug and mold design featuring male and female mechanical and fluidic coupling parts, including movable retainers and valves, allows for a single-gesture fluidic connection and disconnection, along with simultaneous electrical connection, simplifying operations and reducing setup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional conduit connection methods are used with the mold, then the fluidic connection can be established, but the connection and disconnection operations become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the fluidic coupling means and mechanical coupling means into a single integrated plug assembly. The plug simultaneously provides both fluid connection (through ducts 21, 22) and mechanical attachment (through coupling with end piece 56), eliminating the need for separate connection operations and simplifying the overall coupling process between the mold and thermal regulation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a fluid conduit carrier, a mechanical connector, and a structural support element. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional conduit connection methods are used with the mold, then the fluidic connection can be established, but the adjustment time during mold changes increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
By merging fluidic coupling and mechanical coupling into a single simultaneous operation, the invention eliminates sequential connection steps. The plug is attached to the mold in one gesture, establishing both mechanical support and fluid connection at the same time, thereby dramatically reducing adjustment time during mold changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is pre-assembled with both fluidic ducts and mechanical coupling features integrated before approaching the mold. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid connection without requiring on-site assembly or adjustment, reducing the time lost during mold changes while ensuring reliable fluidic connection.
3Ease of operation
If the plug design includes movable retainers and valves, then the connection becomes more secure and easier to operate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable retainer features (such as button 40 and annular bead 61) are designed to automatically engage and lock the plug to the mold end piece without requiring additional fastening operations. The self-retaining mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating the need for separate locking steps, while the automatic engagement reduces the perceived complexity despite the presence of movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable retainer acts as an intermediary mechanism between the plug and mold, providing a simple user interface (button press) that controls the engagement state. This intermediary element translates simple user actions into secure mechanical connection, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through intuitive interaction design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
System (1) for manufacturing containers by blow moulding, the system (1) comprising: a mould (2) comprising a wall defining a mould cavity and having a conduit for carrying a heat-transfer fluid, this conduit having on an outside face (12) of the mould (2) a heat-transfer fluid inlet port and a heat-transfer fluid outlet port; a fitting (20) having a heat-transfer fluid admission line, and a heat-transfer fluid discharge line; and the mould (2) and fitting (20) having complementary coupling means for the removable attachment of the fitting (20) to the mould (2) with simultaneous connection of the admission line to the inlet port and of the discharge line to the outlet port.