Compression Moulding Punch With Radial Retraction for Threaded Products

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression moulding devices cause deformation and damage to products, particularly those with protrusions like threads, especially when using cellulose-based materials, due to the mechanical stresses involved in the extraction process.

Innovation Solution

A compression moulding device with a male punch featuring a first portion that slides between a moulding and collapsed condition, allowing second portions to retract radially, minimizing deformation by releasing protrusions without stress during extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the annular element presses axially towards the end of the punch to extract the product, then the product can be detached from the punch surface, but the protrusions (threads) are deformed and damaged due to mechanical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction of productVSAvoidintegrity of protrusions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The punch transitions from a rigid moulding state to a dynamic extraction state where the second portion moves relative to the first portion. This dynamic configuration allows the protrusions to be released without deformation by creating space between the punch surface and the product during extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The punch is divided into two distinct portions: the first portion that remains stationary and the second portion that moves radially. This segmentation allows independent control of the moulding surface and the extraction mechanism, enabling protrusions to be released without applying stress to them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the annular element applies force to deform the product for release, then extraction is achieved, but cellulose material is damaged due to its fragility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidproduct integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before extraction begins, the second portion of the punch is moved radially to preliminarily release the protrusions from the moulded product. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent deformation forces that would damage fragile cellulose material during the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical extraction method that relies on deforming the product is replaced with a mechanical system that moves the punch structure itself. The relative movement between the two portions of the punch creates the necessary space for extraction without applying damaging stresses to the product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the punch maintains a fixed rigid structure, then moulding is simple, but extraction of products with protrusions causes deformation and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepunch structureVSAvoidproduct shape accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The punch structure is made dynamic by allowing relative movement between the first and second portions. This dynamic capability enables the punch to adapt its configuration during extraction, releasing protrusions without deformation while maintaining structural simplicity through guided radial movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second portion of the punch is nested within or adjacent to the first portion, allowing compact arrangement while enabling radial movement. This nested configuration maintains device simplicity while providing the functional complexity needed for damage-free extraction of protrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 maintains the integrity of the moulded product by avoiding any deformation, ensuring extraction of protrusions like threads without damage, particularly suitable for fragile materials like cellulose-based polymers.

Implementation Method 1

The contact surface of each seat is abutted against the contact surface of the respective second portion for sliding on it between the moulding configuration and the collapsed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Each second portion also comprises a contact surface inclined and converging towards the end of the punch close to said bottom wall. In this way, the contact surface of each seat is abutted against the contact surface of the respective second portion for sliding on it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250312949A1Compression moulding device and method

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOC COOP ARL

AI summary

Described is a compression moulding device and method, wherein the device comprises: a female element (2) for housing a dose made of material suitable for compression moulding; a male punch (5) which can be at least partly inserted in the female element (2) to compress said dose and make a relative product; wherein said punch (5) has an outer surface (10) for moulding the dose, and wherein said punch (5) comprises a first portion (6) slidable relative to at least a second portion (7) between a moulding condition wherein the second portion (7) radially compresses the dose against the female element (2) and a collapsed condition wherein the second portion (7) is radially retracted away from the dose.