Rotatable Cam Mold Clamp Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary extrusion blow molding apparatuses require significant manual effort and downtime for maintenance and mold changes, as the entire machine must be stopped and manually operated to open and close mold clamps, limiting efficiency and accessibility for operators.
Innovation Solution
A mold clamp opening/closing device with a rotatable cam member and cam surfaces that automatically moves the mold clamp assembly between open and closed positions, allowing for maintenance and mold changes without manual force, using a motor-driven mechanism to engage and disengage the cam follower, facilitating quick and efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation with mold wrench is used to open/close mold clamps for maintenance, then the operator can access the mold clamp, but significant manual force is required and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold clamp assembly is designed to open and close automatically through the cam mechanism and spring pack, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by using the cam follower engagement and spring force to perform the opening/closing action that previously required manual intervention with a mold wrench.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pack is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force to open the mold clamp assembly. When the cam mechanism engages, the pre-loaded spring automatically pushes the clamp open without requiring manual effort, preparing the system for maintenance before the operator even approaches.
2Ease of repair
If the entire wheel is taken off-line for mold clamp maintenance, then the mold clamp can be accessed, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold clamp assembly is segmented from the main wheel structure, allowing it to be accessed and maintained independently. The cam mechanism and spring pack are configured so that maintenance can be performed on a single clamp without shutting down the entire molding apparatus, enabling selective repair while maintaining overall productivity.
3Strength
If high clamp forces are applied to close mold halves on parisons, then the mold halves hold closed during blow molding, but significant force is required to open them for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring pack acts as a counterweight to the high clamp forces generated during blow molding. It stores energy when the clamp is closed and releases it to automatically open the clamp during maintenance, counterbalancing the strong closing force without requiring manual intervention to overcome the holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pack is pre-loaded during normal operation to store the energy needed for opening the clamp. This preliminary action of loading the spring during closed-state operation eliminates the need for manual force application during maintenance, as the spring is already prepared to deliver the opening force when needed.
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
The device reduces downtime and operational costs by enabling automated opening and closing of mold clamps, allowing any operator to perform maintenance and mold changes with minimal disruption, enhancing productivity and reducing the physical demands on technicians.
Implementation Method 1
A rotatable cam member has a first cam surface and a second cam surface. The first cam surface cooperates with a cam follower of the mold clamp assembly to move the mold clamp assembly to the open position when the rotatable cam member is rotated. The second cam surface cooperates with the cam follower of the mold clamp assembly to move the mold clamp assembly from the open position to the closed position when the rotatable cam member is further rotated.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for moving a mold clamp assembly of a molding apparatus between and open and closed position when the molding apparatus is in a stationary position. The device includes a rotatable cam member. A first cam surface is provided on the rotatable cam member. The first cam surface cooperates with a cam follower of the mold clamp assembly to move the mold clamp assembly to the open position when the rotatable cam member is rotated. A second cam surface is also provided on the rotatable cam member. The second cam surface cooperates with the cam follower of the mold clamp assembly to move the mold clamp assembly from the open position to the closed position when the rotatable cam member is further rotated.