Foamed Molding Pressure Profiling for Void-Free Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing foamed moldings, such as those used in insulating refrigerators, often result in incomplete filling and the formation of air pockets (voids) due to inconsistent foam density distribution, which compromises insulation effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a foam-forming reaction mixture with a setting time of 15 seconds to 50 seconds at 20°C, introduced into a mold under variable injection pressure, reducing over time and with an exit velocity between 1 m/s and 5 m/s, ensuring void-free foaming and homogeneous density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the foam-forming reaction mixture is introduced at high injection pressure to ensure rapid filling of the mold, then the productivity is improved, but the foam density distribution becomes inhomogeneous and voids form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling speedVSAvoidfoam density distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The injection pressure is varied dynamically during the foaming process. The method uses a multi-stage injection pressure profile where pressure is initially high to ensure rapid mold filling, then gradually reduced to allow homogeneous foam expansion and prevent void formation. This dynamic adjustment of injection pressure resolves the contradiction between rapid filling and uniform foam density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the injection pressure parameter over time during the foaming process. By implementing a time-dependent pressure reduction strategy, the system transitions from high-pressure rapid filling to low-pressure controlled expansion, thereby achieving both high productivity and homogeneous foam density distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the injection pressure is reduced to achieve homogeneous foam density, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the filling time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam density distributionVSAvoidfilling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The injection process is divided into periodic stages with different pressure levels. The method implements a structured sequence: initial high-pressure injection for rapid filling, followed by intermediate pressure reduction phases, and final low-pressure completion. This periodic pressure variation ensures homogeneous foam density while maintaining overall short processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The method performs preliminary high-pressure injection to quickly fill the mold cavity, then subsequently reduces pressure for controlled foam expansion. This preliminary action approach allows the system to achieve rapid filling first, then corrects the density distribution in later stages, thereby maintaining both productivity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If a special nozzle with adjustable opening cross-section is used to reduce exit speed, then the foam expansion is controlled and voids are reduced, but the device complexity and conversion costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam expansion controlVSAvoidnozzle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method replaces the mechanical complexity of adjustable nozzles with a control system that varies injection pressure over time. Instead of modifying the physical nozzle structure to control exit speed, the system uses temporal pressure variation to achieve the same effect of controlled foam expansion and reduced void formation, thereby simplifying the hardware while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for rapid, void-free foaming of complex geometries, enhancing insulation performance by achieving a finer pore structure and uniform bulk density distribution, thereby improving the thermal insulation of hollow bodies.

Implementation Method 1

introducing a foam-forming reaction mixture into the mold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoam formation: Foam

Implementation Method 2

the variable injection pressure in step B) is reduced over time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure reduction: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP2844394B1Method for producing foamed molded bodies
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 COVESTRO DEUTSCHLAND AG
  • EP2844394B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2844394B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2844394B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing foamed molded bodies, comprising the steps of A) providing a mold and B) introducing a foam-forming reaction mixture into the mold, the foam-forming reaction mixture being introduced into the mold under variable injection pressure. The method is characterized in that the foam-forming reaction mixture has a setting time of ≥ 20 s to ≤ 60 s.