Blow Mould Plug Clamping for Fast Reliable Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for blow molding containers face challenges in efficiently and quickly connecting and disconnecting heat transfer fluid conduits to the mold, which can lead to incomplete or ineffective thermal regulation during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A device with clamping means that securely attach the plug to the mold, utilizing a clamping finger and lever arm mechanism to ensure proper alignment and connection of the conduits, and a cam mechanism to control the clamping force, ensuring full engagement of the valves and flaps for efficient fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a plug with quick connection mechanism is used, then connection speed is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised without proper clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping finger is made movable between a release position (for quick connection) and a clamping position (for secure attachment). This dynamic element allows the system to switch between speed-oriented and reliability-oriented states, resolving the contradiction by providing both quick connection capability and secure clamping when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically returns the clamping finger to the clamping position after the plug is inserted, providing self-service clamping without requiring additional actuation. This ensures reliable connection while maintaining the simplicity and speed of the quick connection mechanism.
2Reliability
If manual connection procedures are used, then connection reliability is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connection mechanism allows the plug to be rapidly inserted into the mold orifices, skipping the time-consuming manual alignment and connection steps. The clamping finger then secures the connection, ensuring reliability is not compromised despite the accelerated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical connection process is replaced with an automated quick connection mechanism featuring a movable clamping finger controlled by an elastic element. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically reducing the time required for connection operations.
3Ease of operation
If the plug is made easily removable, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two independent functions: the plug insertion mechanism (providing ease of operation) and the clamping finger mechanism (providing alignment precision and secure attachment). This segmentation allows each function to optimize its performance without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping finger is positioned in advance to engage with the plug upon insertion. This preliminary positioning ensures that alignment precision is maintained during the easy removal operation, as the clamping finger is already in place to guide and secure the plug connection.
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 allows for faster and more reliable connection and disconnection of the heat transfer fluid conduits, ensuring effective thermal regulation of the mold, even during automated mold replacement processes, and guarantees complete fitting of the plug to the mold orifices.
Implementation Method 1
The finger is elastically recalled to its tightening position with a tightening force sufficient to completely fit the plug with the inlet and outlet orifices of the mold
Implementation Method 2
a mold which comprises a wall defining a molding cavity, the mold being provided with at least one pipe for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for the manufacture of containers by blow moulding, comprising: - a mould (12) equipped with a line for the circulation of a heat transfer fluid, having on an external face (34) of the mould (12) a heat transfer fluid inlet orifice (30) and a heat transfer fluid outlet orifice (32); - a mould carrier (20, 22) in which the mould (12) is removably mounted; - a plug (38) fitted with a duct (40) for conveying the heat transfer fluid and with a duct (42) for removing the heat transfer fluid, the plug (38) being mounted so that it can slide longitudinally on the mould carrier (20, 22) between a position of connection with the orifices (30, 32) of the mould (12) and a position of disconnection of the orifices (30, 32) of the mould, characterized in that it comprises means for clamping the plug (38) against the mould (12) in the position of connection.