Extrusion Nozzle Guide Member for Cable Diameter Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extrusion tools face challenges with backflow of molten material during nozzle changes, leading to unsatisfactory adhesion and filling of material between strands, and require downtime for guide member adjustments, resulting in reduced reliability and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A guide member with a tapered space and annular openings is used to allow pressure-type extrusion, preventing backflow and ensuring reliable adhesion, while being splittable for easy installation and removal without stopping the extrusion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate guide member is used that can be changed according to cable type, then adaptability to different cable diameters is improved, but the joint between guide member and nozzle element requires gripping elements that reduce reliability and cause downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cable diametersVSAvoidreliability of guide member holding
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is divided into multiple separable sections (first guide member section and second guide member section) that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows each section to be reliably held by gripping elements while maintaining overall adaptability to different cable diameters through the modular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first guide member section is positioned inside the second guide member section, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the guide member to adapt to different cable diameters while maintaining structural integrity and reliable gripping at multiple levels, eliminating the need for complete guide member changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the guide member is changed by loosening the joint through repulsive force, then ease of operation is improved, but back flow of molten material occurs during tool change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of guide member changeVSAvoidback flow of molten material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The extrusion tool is configured to automatically perform preliminary actions of loosening and securing the guide member joint during the extrusion process without requiring manual intervention. This preliminary automated action prevents backflow of molten material by maintaining continuous control over the joint state, eliminating the need for manual tool changes that cause backflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be self-servicing by automatically adjusting the guide member joint state based on detected cable type changes. The extrusion tool monitors the extrusion process and autonomously performs the loosening and securing operations, preventing backflow while maintaining ease of operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If gripping elements are used to hold the guide member, then ease of operation is improved, but significant downtime and loss of productivity occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of guide member adjustmentVSAvoidproductivity during cable type change
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is designed with multiple sections that can be independently adjusted while maintaining continuous extrusion operation. The first and second guide member sections can be repositioned separately without stopping the extrusion process, ensuring continuity of useful action and eliminating downtime associated with complete guide member changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member configuration allows dynamic adjustment during the extrusion process. The separable sections can be repositioned in response to detected cable type changes while the extrusion continues, transforming a static guide member into a dynamic system that adapts without interrupting productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2070683B1Arrangement in connection with extrusion tools
Publication Date: 2014.11.19 MAILLEFER SA
  • EP2070683B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with extrusion tools. It comprises a nozzle structure which is provided with coaxially arranged nozzle elements (1, 2, 3, 4) and is arranged to form one or more layers which cover a flexible elongated element (6) on the surface of the flexible elongated element (3), which passes through the innermost nozzle element (4), and a guide member (5) corresponding the diameter of the elongated element (6) for controlling the flexible elongated element (6). The guide member (5) is arranged to be pushed in the direction of the elongated element (6) into its position inside the two innermost nozzle elements (3, 4) defining a first melt channel (7). The guide member (5) is arranged to provide a tapered space (52) between the elongated element (6) and the guide member (5), and the tapered space (52) is in fluid communication with the first melt channel (7).