Flaskless Molding Apparatus with Segmented Squeeze Feet
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flaskless molding machines produce upper and lower molds with non-uniform density of molding sand, lacking sufficient uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A flaskless molding apparatus with a base, cope and drag flasks, a conveying mechanism, a squeezing mechanism, and a sand-supplying mechanism that adjusts the positions of segmented-squeeze feet to ensure uniform sand density, utilizing compressed air for fluidizing and filling molding spaces, and a stripping mechanism for efficient mold removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional flaskless molding machines are used, then the molding process can be simplified by eliminating flasks, but the molding sand density becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The squeezing mechanism is divided into multiple segmented-squeeze feet that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows different regions of the molding sand to receive customized squeezing forces, enabling uniform density distribution throughout the mold while maintaining the simplified flaskless process structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each segmented-squeeze foot to be independently adjustable in position. This enables localized control of squeezing force applied to different areas of the molding sand, ensuring that each region achieves the desired density uniformity according to its specific requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If uniform molding sand density is achieved through multiple adjustments, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented-squeeze feet mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides squeezing force, enables positional adjustments for different mold configurations, and ensures uniform density distribution. This multi-functionality achieves manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single mechanism handles multiple requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The squeezing mechanism incorporates dynamic adjustability where the segmented-squeeze feet can be repositioned according to different molding requirements. This dynamic capability allows the same mechanism to adapt to various mold sizes and shapes, achieving uniform density across different configurations without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each case.
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 apparatus achieves production of flaskless upper and lower molds with substantially uniform molding sand density and flattened surfaces, enhancing the molding process efficiency and uniformity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing compressed air for fluidizing and filling molding spaces
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a flaskless molding apparatus for an upper and a lower mold that can produce molds comprised of molding sand with a substantially uniform density, the apparatus, comprising a match plate held between a cope flask and a drag flask, a squeezing mechanism having a plurality of upper and lower segmented-squeeze feet, wherein the upper and the lower segmented-squeeze feet are insertable into each opening of the cope flask and the drag flask respectively, which openings are opposite to the match plate, and wherein the squeezing mechanism can support and rotate the cope flask and the drag flask so that the mechanism allows the cope flask and the drag flask to be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in a perpendicular plane about a supporting shaft and so that the cope flask and the drag flask can be perpendicular or horizontal, and a means for moving the segmented-squeeze feet, wherein the means can control the positions of the upper and the lower segmented-squeeze feet, which positions determine the condition of the molding sand in the molding spaces, according to the intervals between the match plate and each of the upper and the lower segmented-squeeze feet opposite to the match plate.