Flexible Surface Mould Segmented Pin Array

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reconfigurable moulds for shaping products on curved surfaces lack sufficient flexibility to accommodate large deformations, as they primarily rely on springs for elasticity, which is insufficient for shear stresses and cannot guarantee both elasticity and stiffness simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a flexible surface supported by two groups of pins: one group exerts tensile force peripherally, while the other group uses linear actuators with elastic elements to compress the surface, allowing for greater deformation flexibility and optimizing the selection of parameters like support distance and spring constants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If springs are used to provide elasticity of the interpolation surface, then the surface can absorb shear stresses, but the elasticity is insufficient for large deformations and cannot guarantee both elasticity and stiffness simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of the interpolation surfaceVSAvoidstiffness of the interpolation surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into two distinct groups: peripheral supports that tension the surface and internal supports that deform the surface. This segmentation allows each group to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between providing elasticity for deformation and maintaining stiffness for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the support structure are given different properties: peripheral supports use elastic elements oriented to provide tensile force and surface tension, while internal supports are configured to provide compressive force for deformation. This local differentiation allows the surface to have both elasticity where needed and stiffness where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the elasticity of the interpolation surface is increased to accommodate large deformations, then the flexibility improves, but the stiffness required for applying the product deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation capability of the surfaceVSAvoidstability during product application

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the balance between elasticity and stiffness through the dual-group support configuration. The peripheral supports maintain baseline tension for stability, while internal supports provide controlled deformation capability, allowing the surface to transition between stable and deformable states as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic elements serve as intermediaries between the supports and the interpolation surface, mediating the force transmission. These elastic elements allow the peripheral supports to tension the surface while protecting it from excessive stress, and enable internal supports to deform the surface controllably without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single group of supports with springs is used, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility for large deformations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of the support structureVSAvoidflexibility for large deformations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each support group serves multiple functions: peripheral supports provide both structural boundary definition and surface tension, while internal supports provide both deformation control and structural support. This multi-functionality allows the two-group structure to achieve high flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This configuration enhances the mould's flexibility and operational stability, enabling it to handle large deformations while maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness, suitable for various industries such as textiles, automotive, and aeronautical.

Implementation Method 1

The supports are connected to the surface by interposing an elastic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

exert an elastic force with a larger component in the direction tangent or parallel to the flexible surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3381637B1Apparatus for modelling products

Publication Date: 2019.12.25 STAMTECH SRL

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AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for modelling products, particularly textile, building, automotive, aeronautical shapeable products extending predominantly on one plane, comprising a plurality of supports arranged such to form an array supporting a flexible surface intended to receive the product to be shaped and actuating means intended to move at least a part of said supports such to correspondingly deform the surface. The supports are connected to the surface by interposing an elastic element and belong to a first and a second group. The first group comprises supports peripherally arranged to tension the surface while the second group comprises supports acting for deforming the surface such to cause said surface to take the desired shape.