Extruder Non-Stop Die Change Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current extrusion production lines in the food and feed industries face inefficiencies due to the need for frequent die changes, which are time-consuming and disrupt production, especially when dealing with blocked dies and multiple product varieties, leading to low operation efficiency and productivity issues.

Innovation Solution

An extruder with a non-stop die change device that allows for simultaneous use of multiple dies without stopping the machine, using a movable block and transfer channels to switch between dies without detaching them, enabling continuous production and adjusting mechanical energy as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional die change process is used, then product variety can be changed, but production stops and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct variety change capabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The die change device incorporates a movable block that can dynamically switch between different dies without requiring the extruder to stop. The movable block is driven by a driving device to move between positions, enabling each die to be selectively connected to the extrusion cavity outlet, thus achieving dynamic die change capability while maintaining continuous production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The die change device is segmented into multiple independent dies (first die, second die, etc.) that can be independently selected and switched. Each die has its own channel that can be connected to the extrusion cavity through the movable block, allowing separate management and selection of different dies without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dies are prepared for different products, then product variety increases, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct varietyVSAvoiddie change device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable block serves multiple functions: it acts as a switching mechanism to connect different dies to the extrusion cavity, serves as a blocking element to prevent material leakage to inactive dies, and provides a unified interface for all die connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each die.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple dies are merged into a single integrated die change device housing, with all dies and their channels contained within one compact structure. The movable block combines the functions of switching, blocking, and sealing into a single component, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each die.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If die is blocked by fibers and impurities, then production continues, but granule deformation occurs and productivity reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidgranule quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares multiple dies in advance, with at least one备用 die ready for immediate use. When the current die becomes blocked, the movable block can quickly switch to the备用 die before significant granule deformation occurs, preventing quality deterioration while maintaining continuous production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The movable block acts as an intermediary switching mechanism that enables rapid transition between dies. This quick switching capability allows the system to bypass blocked dies and move to clean备用 dies, preventing granule deformation that would occur if production continued through blocked dies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If die change requires detaching and reattaching, then die replacement is complete, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedie replacement capabilityVSAvoiddie change time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The die change mechanism uses a movable block that dynamically switches between dies through linear or rotational motion driven by a driving device. This dynamic switching eliminates the need for manual detaching and reattaching operations, reducing die change time from minutes to seconds while maintaining full die replacement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11559076B2Extruder with non-stop die change device and method of using same

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 FAMSUN CO LTD

AI summary

An extruder with a non-stop die change device includes an extrusion cavity, a die change device located at the outlet of the extrusion cavity, and a first die and a second die that are connected to the side wall of a housing of the die change device. A transfer channel is provided in a movable block of the die change device. When the movable block moves to a first position in the housing, the transfer channel communicates to the extrusion cavity with a first channel, and when the movable block moves to a second position in the housing, the transfer channel communicates to the extrusion cavity with a second channel. Therefore, die change and product type change can be achieved without stopping the extruder. If a die is blocked, the extruder does not need to stop for changing a new die.