Electromagnetic Fastening for Plate Production Mold Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanical screw connections for mold lifting cylinders and mold frames in plate production systems are time-consuming and expensive to replace, hindering efficient assembly and operation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of magnetic and electromagnetic fastening means, such as electromagnets, allows for detachable and tool-free attachment of mold frames to mold lifting cylinders, utilizing current pulses for magnetization and demagnetization to facilitate quick connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical screw connections are used to attach mold frames to mold lifting cylinders, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the replacement process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw connection system with an electromagnetic fastening system. Electromagnets are integrated into the mold lifting cylinder, and corresponding ferromagnetic elements are attached to the mold frame. This substitution eliminates the need for manual screwing and unscrewing operations, reducing replacement time from minutes to seconds while maintaining secure connection during the pressing operation. The electromagnetic field can be activated/deactivated electrically to securely hold or quickly release the mold frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the connection from mechanical (threaded engagement) to electromagnetic (magnetic field interaction). By controlling the electrical current parameter to the electromagnets, the connection strength can be dynamically adjusted - fully engaged during pressing operations and quickly disengaged during replacements. This parameter change enables rapid tool-free attachment and detachment while maintaining connection reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical screw connections are used to attach mold frames to mold lifting cylinders, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process is expensive due to labor and time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic fastening system replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with automated electromagnetic engagement. The electromagnets can be activated automatically when the mold frame approaches the lifting cylinder, eliminating the need for operators to manually position and tighten screws. This reduces labor costs and assembly time while maintaining secure connections, directly addressing the high manufacturing cost issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic system enables self-aligning and self-securing functionality. When the mold frame is positioned near the lifting cylinder, the electromagnetic field automatically engages the ferromagnetic elements without requiring precise manual alignment or operation of fastening mechanisms. This self-service capability reduces the skill level and time required for assembly operations, lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If electromagnetic fastening means are used to attach receiving devices to support devices, then the attachment is rapid and tool-free, but the device complexity increases due to integration of electromagnets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement speedVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnets directly into the structure of the mold lifting cylinder, combining the lifting function and the fastening function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity despite the addition of electromagnetic functionality. The control system is also integrated to manage both lifting and fastening operations through a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly reduces the time and cost associated with replacing mold frames by enabling rapid and secure magnetic connections, enhancing the efficiency of the plate production process.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening device has at least one first magnetic and, in particular, electromagnetic fastening means (32, 34, 42, 44) for detachably fastening the receiving device (30) to the support device (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3718721B1Magnetic mounting device for plates production facility
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SR SCHINDLER MASCH ANLAGETECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3718721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718721B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fastening device (1) for a receiving device for a flowable material for a sheet production plant (50) with a main support (22) on which a support device (24) for the receiving device (10) is movably arranged in a lifting direction (H), with at least one drive device (26) for moving the support device (24) in the lifting direction, wherein the receiving device is detachably attachable to the support device. According to the invention, the fastening device (1) has at least one first magnetic and, in particular, one electromagnetic fastening means (32, 34) for detachably attaching the receiving device (10) to the support device.