Casting Data Management for Defect Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data management systems for casting processes are limited in acquiring specific information, particularly for casting apparatuses that use gravity to pour molten metal and have tiltable molds, making it difficult to identify causes of defective products.

Innovation Solution

A data management system connected to casting equipment that includes a casting apparatus with tiltable molds, an engraving apparatus for product identifiers, and acquisition units for tilting patterns, temperature transitions, and imaging data, allowing for the association and storage of this information to identify defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a gravity-based casting apparatus with tiltable molds is used, then the apparatus structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but specific information on tilting patterns and temperature transitions cannot be acquired, making defect cause identification difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus structure simplicityVSAvoidtilting pattern and temperature transition data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by equipping the gravity-based casting apparatus with sensors that continuously monitor and record tilting patterns and temperature transitions during the casting process. This feedback mechanism captures critical process data that was previously unavailable, enabling defect analysis while maintaining the simplicity and low cost of the gravity-based system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual observation and mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensing and data acquisition systems. Sensors and controllers substitute for traditional mechanical gauges and manual recording, enabling automatic capture of tilting patterns and temperature transitions without complicating the overall apparatus structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive data on tilting patterns and temperature transitions is collected and stored, then defect cause identification is improved, but the system complexity and data management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect cause identification accuracyVSAvoiddata management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that automatically receives, stores, and manages data from multiple sensors. This controller acts as a mediator between the complex sensing network and the user, handling data organization and retrieval operations, thereby reducing the perceived system complexity for end users while maintaining comprehensive data collection for reliable defect analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the mold is tilted at higher speed to increase productivity, then pouring efficiency is improved, but air entrapment and oxide film formation increase, causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepouring speedVSAvoidair entrapment and oxide film
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic adjustment of the mold tilting speed during the pouring process. Rather than using a fixed high speed for all operations, the system can vary the tilting velocity based on real-time conditions, allowing optimization between productivity and defect prevention for different casting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from sensors monitoring the casting process to detect early signs of air entrapment or oxide film formation. When such conditions are detected, the system can automatically adjust the tilting speed to prevent defects, creating a closed-loop control system that balances productivity with quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 the identification of tilting patterns, temperature transitions, and inner mold surface conditions, which can affect pouring speed and product quality, thereby determining the cause of defects and improving productivity and quality control.

Implementation Method 1

a casting apparatus configured to form the casting by using upper and lower molds into which molten metal is poured by using gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3251775B1Data management system
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SINTOKOGIO LTD
  • EP3251775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3251775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3251775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A data management system that controls data related on a casting on a casting process, that is connected to a casting equipment, the casting equipment including: a casting apparatus configured to form the casting by using upper and lower molds into which molten metal is poured by using gravity, the upper and lower molds being able to be opened, closed, and tilted; and an engraving apparatus configured to engrave a product identifier on the casting, the data management system including: a storage device configured to store the data; an acquisition unit configured to acquire the product identifier and a tilting pattern of each of the upper and lower molds in the casting apparatus; and a control unit configured to associate the product identifier with the tilting pattern acquired by the acquisition unit, and to cause the storage device to store the associated product identifier and tilting pattern.