3D Fibrous Molded Part Surface Layout for Steam Vent Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of molded parts from fibrous materials results in visible and tactile protrusions due to steam extraction, which are aesthetically disruptive and functional limitations, particularly in applications like coffee capsules and drinking cups, leading to reduced demand for sustainable products.
Innovation Solution
Integrate raised features into a surface section with a different configuration, ensuring they are visually and functionally integrated into the design, such as areas with reduced material thickness or decorative elements, avoiding protrusion from the surface plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam extraction openings are provided in the molding tool surface, then steam can be removed during compression, but protrusions form on the molded part surface which are aesthetically disruptive and functionally limiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct surface sections with different properties: a first surface section containing the protrusion integrates the defect locally, while a second surface section maintains the desired smooth appearance. This allows the protrusion to be contained in a specific local area rather than affecting the entire surface, resolving the contradiction between steam extraction functionality and aesthetic appearance.
2Ease of manufacture
If fibrous material is compressed under high pressure and temperature, then molded parts can be produced from renewable resources, but visible and tactile protrusions result from the compression process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains the benefit of producing molded parts from compressed fibrous material while addressing the surface protrusion issue by creating a localized first surface section that contains the protrusion. This allows the manufacturing process to continue using sustainable fibrous materials without compromising the overall aesthetic quality of the product surface.
3Reliability
If protrusions are present on the molded part surface, then steam extraction is effective, but the molded parts do not sit flush with contact surfaces preventing sufficient seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the sealing issue by confining protrusions to a localized first surface section that does not interfere with the second surface section's contact surfaces. This ensures that sealing areas remain flat and flush, maintaining adequate sealing capability while preserving the steam extraction function in the non-critical first surface section.
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 solution ensures that raised features are aesthetically integrated and do not interfere with the use of the molded parts, maintaining design simplicity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
steam escaping from the fibrous material during compression is removed
Implementation Method 2
fibrous material which, during the production of the molded part, is sucked and/or pressed into a corresponding opening
Implementation Method 3
produced in a manufacturing process under pressure and thermal influence
Implementation Method 4
produced in a manufacturing process under pressure and thermal influence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A three-dimensional molded part made of fibrous material and a molding tool for producing molded parts made of fibrous material are described, wherein the molded part is produced in a manufacturing process under pressure and thermal influence and a surface of the molded part has at least one protrusion formed by fibrous material which, during the production of the molded part, was drawn into a corresponding opening in a molding surface of a molding tool when steam escaping from the fibrous material during compression is removed, and wherein the at least one protrusion is arranged in a first surface section which has a different configuration compared to an adjacent at least one second surface section, wherein the at least one protrusion is integrated into the configuration of the first surface section.