Hinged Closure Handling System for Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for producing hinged closures in injection molding face inefficiencies, including complex structures, damage to high-quality surfaces, and jamming issues, particularly in sorting and capping processes.
Innovation Solution
An injection-molding device with a prismatic central block that can turn about an axis, integrated with a handling system for efficient removal and transfer of hinged closures to a capping device, maintaining their layout and using a multi-axis kinematic chain for precise handling and capping, which includes suction cups or mechanical grippers and a capping device with rotating beams for closing and leak-testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sorting installation with vibration and slotted links is used to move and align closures, then closures can be sorted and fed to capping device, but closures with high-quality surfaces are scratched and installations become jammed requiring intensive care
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful sorting and alignment functions from the closure handling system. Instead of using vibration and slotted links that cause scratching and jamming, the patent directly transfers closures from the injection mold to the capping device in their original layout, eliminating the need for complex sorting installations and preventing surface damage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a carefully designed transfer mechanism as an intermediary between the injection mold and capping device. This intermediary system uses gentle holding and transfer methods that maintain closure surfaces intact while enabling efficient transfer, avoiding the harmful effects of vibration-based sorting
2Device complexity
If an integrated capping device is recessed into the injection mold, then the device structure is simplified, but the closure cannot get out of the way during closing and the device can only be used for certain geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the capping device dynamic by allowing it to enter and exit the working area. The capping device is not permanently recessed into the mold but can be positioned as needed, allowing closures to move out of the way during closing operations while maintaining integration benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal capping system that can handle various closure geometries. By combining the simplicity of integrated capping with the flexibility of movable positioning and closure relocation capability, the system adapts to different closure types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a handling system transfers closures while retaining their layout, then processing is less damaging and traceability is improved, but the device requires coordinated movement with the central block
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the handling system with the central block by attaching both to the same holding device or operatively connected holding devices. This integration ensures automatic coordinated movement without requiring complex independent control systems, while still enabling gentle transfer that preserves closure surfaces and maintains traceability
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 solution enhances production efficiency, reduces damage to closures, improves traceability, and simplifies the process, resulting in a more cost-effective and flexible system for producing and capping hinged closures.
Implementation Method 1
The device has a handling system, which serves for removing and transferring the hinged closures to a capping device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for producing hinged closures out of plastic. The device (1) has a prismatic central block (3) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (2), said block being arranged between a first and a second molding plate (4, 5). The first and the second molding plates (4, 5) are movable in relation to the central block (3) in a first direction, and in a closed position, form a plurality of cavities in the area of a first and a second parting plane. The device has a handling system (14) used to remove and transport the hinged closures onto a capping device (16) in accordance with their layout.