Forming Apparatus Lifting System for Mould Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forming apparatuses for compression moulding and thermoforming, particularly those used for reinforced thermoplastic materials, have costly and inefficient pneumatic lifting systems that pose safety risks due to weight limitations and potential malfunctions, leading to unsafe handling and damage during mould changes.
Innovation Solution
A forming apparatus with a lifting system that utilizes a combination of screw-nut mechanisms, hydraulic actuators, and spacer means with elastic support, eliminating the need for a separate pneumatic circuit, ensuring safe and efficient movement of half moulds by adjusting traction shafts and using a programmable control system for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic lifting cylinders are used to lift half moulds, then lifting capability is provided, but the system becomes costly, complicated, and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pneumatic lifting system entirely from the forming apparatus. Instead of using pneumatic cylinders to lift half moulds, the system extracts this function and replaces it with a mechanically simpler support table design that uses gravity and mechanical positioning to achieve mould support and replacement without complex pneumatic circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The support table is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently support different half moulds. This segmentation allows each mould to be supported and positioned independently, enabling safe and easy replacement without requiring a complex centralized pneumatic lifting system
2Ease of manufacture
If pneumatic lifting cylinders are used, then lifting function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function from the system entirely, replacing pneumatic cylinders with a passive mechanical support table design. This eliminates the need for pneumatic components, making the system much easier and cheaper to manufacture while reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support table uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than expensive pneumatic cylinders with complex seals, valves, and control systems
3Force
If pneumatic lifting cylinders are used, then lifting capability is provided, but the system is inefficient and unsafe due to weight limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The support table is designed to mechanically support the weight of half moulds through its structure and positioning mechanisms, using gravity and mechanical advantage rather than pneumatic force. This provides reliable support for heavy moulds without the weight limitations of pneumatic cylinders
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the unreliable pneumatic lifting capability and replaces it with a robust mechanical support system that provides safe and efficient mould handling through pure mechanical means, eliminating the force limitations and safety risks of pneumatic systems
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 new lifting system is cost-effective, safe, and efficient, allowing for reliable handling and replacement of half moulds without pneumatic devices, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means acting on the spacer means so as to push, downwards, the spacer means in the non-operating position
Implementation Method 2
A forming apparatus with a lifting system that utilizes a combination of screw-nut mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
hydraulic actuators, and spacer means with elastic support, eliminating the need for a separate pneumatic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A forming apparatus comprises a frame (2), a table (4) for supporting at least one half mould (S1, S2), moving means for moving the table (4) with respect to the frame (2) and the spacer means (15), that is slidably associated with the table (4), for spacing the at least one half mould (S1, S2) from the table (4). The forming apparatus further comprises abutting means (19, 20) configured for interacting with the spacer means (15), when the moving means moves the table (4) in a set operating configuration (T2) with respect to the frame (2), for moving the spacer means (15) with respect to the table (4) so as to space the at least one half mould (S1, S2) from the table (4).