Cast Wheel Core Positioning via Gravity and Leveling Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing cast wheels struggle with precise core positioning, especially when the core lacks radially inward projecting ribs, limiting design freedom and requiring clamping connections that are not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method and casting tool design where the positioning element's free end is placed on a horizontal bearing surface of the lower mold part, utilizing gravity to maintain the core's position without contact with the mold parts, and optionally clamped between mold parts for stability during casting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning elements are clamped with mold parts to center the core, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from the clamping mechanism. Instead of using complex clamping connections between positioning elements and mold parts, the patent introduces a separate leveling element that independently provides positioning support. This separates the positioning function from the clamping function, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling element acts as an intermediary component between the core and the mold parts. Rather than directly clamping the positioning elements to the mold parts, the leveling element mediates the positioning process by providing a stable reference surface and support, thereby achieving precise positioning without complex clamping connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If radially inward projecting ribs are provided on the core for positioning element attachment, then positioning stability is improved, but design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the positioning system into separate functional components: the core structure, the positioning elements, and the leveling element. This segmentation allows the core to maintain its design freedom without requiring specific features like radially inward projecting ribs, while the positioning elements and leveling element independently provide the necessary stability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling element performs the positioning function independently without requiring modifications to the core structure. It self-services the positioning need by providing its own support and reference surfaces, eliminating the need for the core to provide attachment features like ribs, thereby preserving design freedom while ensuring positioning stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If positioning elements are non-positively or frictionally fixed in the core rim, then design freedom is improved, but positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling element serves as an intermediary that compensates for the less rigid connection between positioning elements and the core. By providing a stable reference surface and support mechanism, the leveling element ensures that even non-positive or frictional fixed connections achieve the required positioning precision, thereby maintaining both design freedom and manufacturing precision.
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
Enables precise and stable core positioning with maximum design freedom, eliminating the need for clamping connections and ensuring accurate placement in the cast workpiece, while preventing slipping and corrosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing gravity to maintain the core's position without contact with the mold parts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
Process and casting mould for producing a cast wheel (2'), wherein a core (3) which remains in the cast wheel (2') and has a circumferential rim (17) is inserted into a casting mould (1) having at least one lower mould part (5) and an upper mould part (4), which are moved relative to one another to close the casting mould (1), wherein the core (3) is positioned by means of at least one positioning element (7) in a predetermined position in the casting mould (1), wherein an end region of the positioning element (7) is fixed with a force fit or frictional fit in the circumferential rim (17) of the core (3), wherein a free end region of the positioning element (7), which protrudes from the circumferential rim (17) of the core (3), is placed on a contact surface (8), which is preferably arranged substantially horizontally during operation, of the lower mould part (5) of the casting mould (1) during positioning of the core (3) in the casting mould (1), such that the core (3) is positioned in the predetermined position under the action of the force of gravity.