Fluid-Assisted Mold Operating Mechanism for Glassware Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glassware forming machines face challenges in applying sufficient clamping force to mold operating mechanisms, which affects the precision and efficiency of mold opening and closing processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-assisted, motor-driven mold operating mechanism that includes a base frame, guide blocks and bearings, a powertrain assembly, a drivetrain assembly with a gearset, operating shafts, and a dual piston fluid cylinder, allowing for increased clamping force by rotating linkages to push the mold carrier outward and then using fluid pressure to apply additional force when the mold is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor-driven mechanism is used to open and close molds, then the mold carrier can be moved along a linear path, but insufficient clamping force is applied to the mold components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid cylinder (pneumatic or hydraulic actuator) to provide supplemental clamping force to the mold components. The fluid cylinder is positioned to engage with the mold carrier and apply additional force during the closing operation, directly resolving the insufficiency of clamping force while maintaining the motor-driven linear motion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the motor-driven linear motion mechanism with a fluid cylinder system to create a hybrid actuation system. The motor provides the primary motion along the linear path, while the fluid cylinder provides supplemental clamping force, merging two different actuation methods to achieve both motion and sufficient clamping force
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
Enhances the clamping force applied to mold carriers, improving the precision and efficiency of mold opening and closing operations in glassware forming machines, ensuring consistent and reliable glassware formation.
Implementation Method 1
the cylinder is pressurized with fluid to push the piston rods further outward to apply clamping pressure to the linkages to force the mold carrier to a closed position
Data Source
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AI summary
A mold operating mechanism (12) to open and close molds of a glassware forming machine that open away from one another and close toward one another. A drivetrain assembly (22) includes a gearset (52), at least one operating shaft (54) operatively coupled to and driven by the gearset, and at least one linkage (56) operatively coupled to the at least one operating shaft, and a fluid cylinder (24) disposed proximate the at least one linkage and including at least one piston rod (82) operatively coupled to the at least one linkage. As the at least one linkage rotates, the at least one piston rod is pulled outward from the cylinder, and the cylinder is dragged outwardly, and whereafter the cylinder is pressurized with fluid to push the at least one piston rod further outward to apply clamping pressure to the at least one linkage. A related method is also disclosed.