Concave Object Compression Moulding With Cooled Transport Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression moulding apparatuses face issues with the adhesion of semi-solid polymeric material to transport elements due to thermal inertia, making precise dose positioning and release difficult.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of cooling means, such as air blowing units and internal cooling ducts, to regulate the temperature of transport elements, ensuring optimal temperature conditions for dose pickup and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transport element is kept at ambient temperature, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the polymeric material adheres to the transport element due to thermal inertia, making release difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature of the transport element. The heating means raise the transport element temperature to match or exceed the polymeric material temperature, changing the thermal parameter from ambient to controlled high temperature, thereby preventing adhesion and enabling reliable dose release.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating means are positioned to preheat the transport element before the polymeric material is deposited onto it. This preliminary thermal action ensures the transport element is already at the correct temperature to prevent adhesion, solving the problem before it occurs during the dosing process.
2Reliability
If the transport element is heated to prevent adhesion, then dose release is improved, but the apparatus complexity increases due to additional heating means
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means utilize pneumatic or hydraulic principles by circulating heated air or fluid through channels formed in the transport element. This approach provides efficient heating without requiring direct contact heating elements, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving the desired thermal effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport element incorporates internal cooling/heating channels that allow fluid circulation. This porous or channelled structure enables efficient heat transfer throughout the transport element volume, achieving uniform temperature distribution with a relatively simple heating system design.
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
Facilitates precise and efficient transfer of polymeric material to moulds by preventing adhesion, maintaining the material in a suitable semi-solid state for moulding while ensuring accurate positioning and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
it comprises cooling means of each transport element for cooling said transport element at least in a zone of the closed path
Implementation Method 2
by thermal inertia the dose, after being picked up, keeps the heat so as to be in a semi-solid state suitable for moulding
Implementation Method 3
the dose is positioned by falling on the above-mentioned male element. The release of the dose is also facilitated by interrupting the suction through the holes, thus leaving the dose to detach by gravity from the respective surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a dispensing device for dispensing doses of polymeric material suitable for compression moulding; a mould for receiving doses and making concave objects; a plurality of transport elements of respective doses for releasing doses to the mould; and a carousel for supporting the transport elements for feeding each element in an advancement direction (A) and along a closed path between the dispensing device and the mould. The transport element includes a wall for engaging the dose rotatably mounted on the carousel between a picking up condition and a condition for releasing the dose such that the wall is overturned with a contact surface facing the mould for releasing the dose in the mould by gravity; and wherein it includes cooling means of each transport element for cooling the element at least in a zone of the closed path.