Extrusion Die Head with Customizable Tube Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extrusion die technologies are inflexible and cannot easily produce a range of extruded products with varying compositions and shapes, requiring redesigns to modify the external shape or arrangement of passages in the extrudate.
Innovation Solution
An extrusion die head with detachably engaged tubes that can be customized to vary the location and number of filling material passages within the die head, allowing for the production of centre-filled products with different compositions and shapes by repositioning tubes between apertures on multiple plates, and a method for co-extruding materials through these apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If extrusion die is designed with fixed injector arrangement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The die head is segmented into multiple plates (first plate with first apertures, second plate with second apertures) that can be independently configured. Tubes are selectively positioned between these plates to create different flow paths, allowing the same die head structure to produce various extruded products by changing tube arrangements rather than redesigning the entire die.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube arrangement is made dynamic and reconfigurable. Tubes can be detached from one plate and repositioned to different apertures on the same or different plates. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the die head to adapt to different product requirements without permanent structural changes, resolving the contradiction between fixed precision design and flexible adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tube arrangement is made customizable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The die head plates are designed with multiple apertures that can serve different functions depending on tube placement. The same first plate with multiple first apertures can support different numbers and positions of tubes to create various flow paths for different products. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized die heads, actually reducing overall system complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the die head into separate plates with standardized aperture patterns, the complexity of customizing tube arrangements is managed through modular assembly. Each plate is a simple, standardized component, and the complexity arises only from the temporary arrangement of tubes during production, not from complex permanent structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plates with apertures are used, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The die head is manufactured as separate, standardized plates that can be independently produced using standard manufacturing processes. Each plate has standardized aperture patterns that are easy to machine. The assembly of these plates with tubes is a straightforward mechanical process, making the overall system easier to manufacture than a monolithic custom-designed die head would be.
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
Enables the easy modification of extruded product composition and shape without redesigning the entire die head, allowing for a variety of centre-filled products with precise control over filling material placement and pattern complexity, enhancing production flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first material may be extruded through the tube or tubes and a second material may be extruded around the tube or tubes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7b
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An extrusion die head for the extrusion of hollow or centre-filled shapes as well as apparatus comprising the extrusion die head and methods employing the die head. The extrusion die head (10) is for the preparation of a plurality of centre-filled products (34) of varying composition wherein each product comprises a first (filling) material and a second (outer) material. The die head comprises at least one tube (22) such that a first material may be extruded through the tube or tubes and a second material may be extruded around the tube or tubes. The location and the number of the tubes may be customised to vary the location and amount of the first material relative to the second material and thereby vary the composition of the centre-filled product. The extrusion die head apparatus comprises a sleeve (40) enclosing the die head. In one embodiment a first material is conveyed from one or more first apertures (18) via one or more tubes (22) to one or more second apertures (20) where it is extruded. Simultaneously, a second material is supplied directly to the remaining second apertures (20) where it is extruded.