Die-Casting Piston Lubrication Circuit Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pistons for die-casting machines suffer from a non-sealed fluidic connection in their lubrication circuits, leading to inefficiencies in lubricant distribution and potential metal penetration, which compromises the sealing effectiveness and lubrication performance.

Innovation Solution

The piston design incorporates a lubrication circuit with first and second ducts that communicate fluidically, featuring a sealing ring with a longitudinal gap and interlocking coupling portions to ensure pressurized lubricant delivery directly to the sealing area, preventing metal intrusion and enhancing lubrication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fluidic connection is provided between the stem and head for lubricant supply, then lubrication is enabled, but sealing tightness is compromised allowing metal penetration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubrication deliveryVSAvoidsealing tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing ring made of elastomeric material is introduced as an intermediary element between the stem and head. This sealing ring receives pressurized lubricant through a dedicated duct and delivers it to the sealing area, while simultaneously maintaining sealing tightness to prevent metal penetration. The sealing ring acts as a mediator that enables both lubrication delivery and reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If lubricant is supplied to the sealing area, then sliding performance is improved, but lubricant consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding performanceVSAvoidlubricant consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The lubrication system is designed to deliver lubricant locally and precisely to the sealing area where it is most needed. The sealing ring incorporates a dedicated duct that channels pressurized lubricant directly to the contact interface between the piston and container wall. This localized delivery approach improves sliding performance at the critical sealing area while minimizing overall lubricant consumption by avoiding unnecessary lubrication of other piston surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of repair

If the piston head is removably connected to the stem, then maintenance is facilitated, but fluidic connection sealing becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidfluidic connection sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring serves as an intermediary component that maintains reliable fluidic connection sealing between the removably connected head and stem. The sealing ring can be installed and removed with the head assembly, facilitating maintenance while ensuring continuous sealing tightness during operation. This intermediary sealing mechanism resolves the conflict between easy disassembly for maintenance and maintaining reliable sealing during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design ensures effective lubrication with reduced lubricant usage, maintaining a sealed environment and minimizing metal intrusion, thereby improving piston sliding performance and extending the sealing ring's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a sealing ring (60) suitable to prevent penetration of metal into the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

adapted to deliver a pressurized lubricant directly to said sealing area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a lubrication circuit adapted to facilitate the sliding of the piston in a container of molten metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3266538B1Piston for a die-casting maching
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 COPROMEC DIE CASTING S R L A SOCIO UNICO
  • EP3266538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3266538B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3266538B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A piston for a die-casting machine, in particular a cold chamber die-casting machine, comprises a stem extending between a proximal end and a distal end along a piston axis and a piston head extending from the distal end of the stem and having a side wall with at least one sealing area suitable for forming a seal on the wall of said container of the press. A lubrication circuit adapted to facilitate the sliding of the piston comprises first lubrication ducts made in the stem and terminating at the distal end of said stem and second ducts made in the piston head communicating fluidically with said first ducts and flowing into the side wall at least corresponding to said sealing area.