Anti-friction Composite Locking Finger for Thermoplastic Moulding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for thermoplastic container molding units require frequent lubrication to reduce friction and wear, leading to economic and environmental issues, and existing solutions like DLC surface treatments are costly and unsatisfactory, especially for applications with high blowing pressures.
Innovation Solution
The use of locking fingers made from anti-friction composite materials, such as fiber composite materials with embedded glass or carbon fibers in a plastic matrix, which provide high shear and impact resistance while eliminating the need for lubrication by reducing friction and enhancing dimensional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubrication is applied to locking fingers to reduce friction and wear, then the friction and wear are reduced, but production stops are required and the manufacturing environment becomes contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking finger is designed to automatically apply lubricant through its own movement during the molding cycle. The lubricant reservoir and application mechanism are integrated into the locking finger structure, allowing it to self-lubricate without external intervention or production stoppage
Solution Approach 2:
Lubricant is pre-loaded into the locking finger's reservoir before production begins. The system prepares the lubrication mechanism in advance, so that lubricant is automatically applied during normal operation without requiring production stops for maintenance
2Reliability
If lubrication is applied to locking fingers, then friction is reduced, but the manufacturing environment becomes soiled due to lubricant splashing
Solution Approach 1:
A sealed lubricant delivery system acts as an intermediary between the lubricant reservoir and the locking surfaces. The lubricant is delivered through controlled channels that prevent it from splashing or contaminating the manufacturing environment while still providing effective lubrication at the contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The locking finger's movement during operation automatically drives the lubricant from the reservoir to the contact surfaces through integrated channels. This self-lubricating mechanism eliminates the need for external lubrication systems that could leak or splash, containing the lubricant within the locking finger structure
3Reliability
If DLC surface treatment is applied to locking fingers, then friction and wear are reduced, but the treatment is expensive and the coating is fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The locking finger is constructed as a composite structure combining a metallic core for structural strength with an integrated lubricant reservoir and delivery system. This composite approach provides the functional benefits of surface treatment (reduced friction and wear through lubrication) while avoiding the high costs and fragility issues of DLC coatings
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 eliminates the need for lubrication, reducing contamination and production costs, and allows for the use of locking fingers in applications with high blowing pressures, ensuring reliable operation and maintaining a clean manufacturing environment.
Implementation Method 1
The locking portion comprises an anti-friction composite material
Implementation Method 2
fiber composite materials with embedded glass or carbon fibers in a plastic matrix, which provide high shear and impact resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking finger (20) for a moulding unit, the moulding unit comprising a cavity for moulding the container that is at least defined by a first shell fixed on a first mould holder (110) and by a second shell fixed on a second mould holder (111) that can move relative to the first mould holder (110) between an open position and a closed position, the first mould holder (110) comprising a component (12) for controlling the locking finger (20) and the second mould holder (111) comprising a locking opening (22), the locking finger (20) comprising: - an interface (19) for mechanically coupling to the control component (12); and - a locking portion designed to engage with the locking opening (22) in the closed position. The locking portion comprises an anti-friction composite material.