Extruder Screw Internal Flow Path for Uniform Stretching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extrusion techniques require lengthening of the extruder screw to achieve uniform stretching action, which is inefficient and may result in incomplete material processing, as not all material passes through the stretch imparting region.

Innovation Solution

An extruder screw design with a transfer, melting, and kneading portion, incorporating conveyance paths and barrier portions that restrict material flow to enhance pressure and direct material through a path within the screw, ensuring all material receives stretching action without lengthening the screw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a stretch imparting mechanism is added to the leading end of the extruder, then stretching action is imparted to the raw material, but the whole extruder is lengthened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestretching actionVSAvoidextruder length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the stretch imparting function within the existing screw structure by forming a stretch imparting region inside the screw body. The raw material flows through a path formed within the screw, allowing stretching action to be integrated into the screw's internal geometry rather than adding external components, thus avoiding lengthening the extruder

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from adding stretching function in the axial direction (lengthening extruder) to implementing it through radial and circumferential flow paths within the screw. By creating a path that extends in the circumferential direction and using barrier portions to control flow, the stretching action is achieved within the existing axial length of the screw

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If a stretch imparting region is secured between a pair of screws, then stretching action is augmented, but the extruder is lengthened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestretching actionVSAvoidextruder length
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a localized stretch imparting region within a specific section of the screw rather than requiring a long stretch imparting region. By concentrating the stretching function in a compact area with strategically positioned barrier portions and flow paths, the extruder length is minimized while still achieving effective stretching action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The screw is divided into functional sections including a conveyance portion, barrier portions, and a stretch imparting region with a defined flow path. This segmentation allows the stretching function to be isolated in a compact region, preventing the need to lengthen the entire extruder while still ensuring all raw material passes through the stretching zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the screw is made to possess a function of imparting stretching action, then all raw material can be stretched without omission, but the screw structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform stretchingVSAvoidscrew structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conveyance function and stretch imparting function into a single integrated screw structure. The screw simultaneously conveys raw material through its rotation and imparts stretching action through the internally formed path and barrier portions, eliminating the need for separate stretch imparting mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The screw is designed to perform multiple functions: conveying raw material, restricting flow through barrier portions, creating stretching action, and ensuring uniform processing of all material. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating the stretch imparting region and flow control features directly into the screw body, reducing the need for additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 uniform stretching action for all material, improving kneading efficiency without extending the extruder, allowing for precise control over the degree of kneading and maintaining handling convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a barrier portion configured to restrict conveyance of the raw material, and a path through which the raw material flows... the raw material pressure of which is enhanced by being restricted in conveyance by the barrier portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure enhancement through flow restriction: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the transfer portion, the melting and mixing portion, and the kneading portion are provided on a screw main body rotating around a linear axis line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational conveyance:

Implementation Method 3

a melting and mixing portion configured to continuously melt and mix the conveyed materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 4

a kneading portion configured to continuously knead a raw material obtained by melting and mixing the materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKneading:

Implementation Method 5

the path is formed in such a manner that the raw material flowing into the path from the entrance flows toward the exit in a direction opposite to the direction of conveyance carried out by the conveyance portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOpposite direction flow through pressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11230033B2Extruder screw including conveyance portions and paths within the conveyance portions, extruder, and extrusion method
Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SHIBAURA MASCH CO LTD
  • US11230033B2 patent drawing
  • US11230033B2 patent drawing
  • US11230033B2 patent drawing

AI summary

At a part of the screw main body at which the kneading portion is provided, conveyance portions, a barrier portion and a path are provided at a plurality of places. At least one of the places, the path is provided inside the screw main body, and includes an entrance and an exit. The entrance is opened in such a manner that the raw material whose pressure is enhanced by being restricted in conveyance by the barrier portion flows into the entrance. The path is formed in such a manner that the raw material flowing into the path from the entrance flows toward the exit in a direction opposite to the direction of conveyance.