Double Toggle Mold Opening Mechanism Reducing Closing Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mold opening and closing mechanisms in glassware forming machines face high stress and fatigue due to the need to withstand significant hydraulic pressure during glass formation, leading to frequent part replacements and increased complexity, weight, and difficulty in cooling.
Innovation Solution
A double toggle arrangement with a modular, self-balancing mechanism that reduces the closing force by using a double linkage system to immobilize the molds during closure and synchronize independent arm movements with programmable motors for efficient opening and closing, allowing for reduced stress and lighter construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mold opening and closing mechanism is used to withstand hydraulic pressure during glass formation, then the molds remain securely closed during forming, but the mechanism experiences high stress and fatigue leading to frequent part replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into independent modular units (left and right arms with各自的 motors and linkage systems) that can operate independently and be replaced separately, reducing the impact of fatigue on the entire system and allowing targeted maintenance of worn components
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with programmable motors that can adjust movement sequences, speeds, and forces. The synchronized operation of multiple arms with independent control allows optimization of stress distribution and reduction of peak loads on individual components
2Stress or pressure
If a complex linkage system is used to equalize closing pressure across multiple molds, then pressure distribution is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent arms (at least two, preferably three or four) that independently close and equalize pressure on multiple molds. Each arm operates as a separate module with its own motor and linkage, eliminating the need for a single complex centralized linkage system while achieving pressure equalization through synchronized independent actions
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable motors and control system automatically coordinate the arms to achieve equalized closing pressure without requiring complex mechanical linkage. The system self-regulates through programmed sequences that adjust each arm's movement to balance the load across all molds
3Force
If a heavy-duty mechanism is used to withstand high closing forces, then the molds are securely closed, but the mechanism weight increases and cooling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses programmable motors to dynamically apply closing force only when needed during the forming cycle, rather than relying on heavy mechanical structures to continuously withstand high forces. The motors can precisely control and adjust the closing force applied by each arm, reducing the overall mass required while maintaining adequate closing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces heavy mechanical force transmission with motor-driven actuation that can generate and control closing forces more efficiently. The independent motors on each arm provide the necessary closing force without requiring a heavy centralized force transmission mechanism, reducing overall weight while maintaining closing capability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mold opening and closing mechanism for a machine for forming glass articles, which comprises at least one mold divided into two halves that open and close to form the articles, the halves of the molds being coupled to a pair of supporting arms, each arm being independently mounted opposite the other and separated in a parallel manner with respect to a support structure. The mechanism also comprises mold synchronizing means that are mounted so as to move with the mold support arms and to move inwards or outwards to open and close the molds. The mechanism further comprises lever means having a first end connected to the support structure, the lever means and the pair of support arms transmitting to the synchronizing means an articulated inward or outward movement to close or open the molds. The mechanism also comprises: drive means coupled to the support structure, for imparting an opening and closing movement to the support arms; a double-linkage closing system connected in an articulated manner to the synchronizing means; and a second end connected to the support structure, the lever means and the pair of support arms transmitting an articulated inward or outward movement to the synchronizing means to close or open the molds. The mechanism further comprises drive means coupled to the support structure to impart an opening and closing movement to the support arms, and a double-linkage closing system connected in an articulated and independent manner to each of the support arms and to the drive means. According to the invention, by means of a first rotational movement of the drive means, the support arms and synchronizing means move to a position for closing the molds and, with a second movement in the opposite direction, the synchronization means, each of the mold support arms, and each of the mold halves open.