Fiber Molded Part Surface Patterning for Steam Venting and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-containing materials used in manufacturing molded parts often develop elevations due to steam extraction during the pressing process, which are aesthetically disruptive and hinder functional performance, particularly in applications requiring sealing and fit.
Innovation Solution
Integrate elevations into a pattern on the molded part's surface by suctioning and pressing them into openings in the molding tool during steam removal, allowing the elevations to blend visually and haptically with the design, and ensure they do not protrude from contact surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If steam is extracted from fiber-containing material during pressing, then the material is properly processed and shaped, but elevations form on the surface which are aesthetically disruptive and hinder sealing functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful elevations caused by steam extraction into beneficial design elements by integrating them into the surface pattern. The openings in the molding tool that cause elevations are designed to create decorative patterns or functional surface features, transforming a manufacturing defect into an aesthetic or functional advantage that maintains sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific surface patterns at particular locations on the molded part. The elevations are strategically positioned in areas where they serve decorative or functional purposes without interfering with critical sealing surfaces, allowing different regions of the surface to have different properties optimized for their specific functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If elevations are formed on the molded part surface, then steam extraction is supported, but the elevations protrude from contact surfaces preventing proper fit and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surface into different functional zones: areas with elevations for decorative or patterned effects, and areas without elevations that maintain a flush surface for proper sealing and fit. This segmentation allows the molded part to simultaneously achieve aesthetic goals and functional performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful protruding elevations into beneficial integrated patterns by carefully designing the opening arrangement in the molding tool. The elevations are created as part of the surface pattern itself, such as decorative motifs or texture variations, that do not protrude from the contact surfaces but rather form part of the designed surface geometry, thereby maintaining sealing 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
The integrated pattern elevations enhance aesthetic appeal while maintaining functional integrity, preventing protrusion and ensuring proper fit and sealing, thus addressing both design and usability issues.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporating water is extracted as standard during a pressing process at high temperatures and high pressure
Implementation Method 2
a surface of the molded part has at least one elevation that is formed by fiber-containing material that, during the production of the molded part, has been suctioned and/or pressed into a corresponding opening in a molding surface of a molding tool
Implementation Method 3
a three-dimensional molded part made of fiber-containing material, which is produced in a production process under pressure and thermal influence
Implementation Method 4
a three-dimensional molded part made of fiber-containing material, which is produced in a production process under pressure and thermal influence
Implementation Method 5
the evaporating water is extracted as standard during a pressing process at high temperatures and high pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional molded part made of fiber-containing material and a molding tool for producing molded parts made of fiber-containing material are described. The molded part is produced from fiber-containing material in a production process under pressure and thermal action. A surface of the molded part has elevations formed by fiber-containing material that has been sucked into corresponding openings in a molding surface of a molding tool during the production of the molded part when steam emerging from the fiber-containing material during pressing is removed. The elevations form at least one pattern along a surface of the molded part.