Hydraulic Closing Unit With Energy-Reuse Locking Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic closing units in shaping machines, such as injection molding machines, suffer from inefficient energy reuse due to high pressure losses when storing and reusing the energy used for applying the closing force, with little of the energy being effectively re-used in subsequent cycles.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic interconnection between the pressure storage device and a second hydraulic cylinder allows the stored pressure to be used for locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing pressure loss, enabling the recovery and reuse of a larger portion of the energy by using the pressure storage device as the primary source for the locking action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hydraulic system is used for the locking device, then the locking function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic systems for applying closing force and for the locking device into a single integrated system. The pressure storage device serves both functions, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic circuits and components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure storage device is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores energy for both the closing force application and the locking device operation. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall hydraulic system architecture.
2Force
If energy is stored in a hydraulic storage device at high pressure, then the closing force can be maintained, but pressure loss occurs during storage reducing energy reuse efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted pressure relief energy into a useful resource. By connecting the pressure storage device to both the closing force system and the locking device, the energy that would have been lost during pressure relief is now reused to power the locking mechanism, transforming energy loss into energy recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy that would otherwise be discarded during the pressure relief phase. The hydraulic fluid under pressure is redirected to the locking device, capturing and utilizing the energy that would have been wasted, thereby improving overall energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional hydraulic systems are added for locking and core pull, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single pressure storage device is designed to serve multiple functions including locking device operation and core pull operations. This multi-functional design provides enhanced versatility without adding separate hydraulic systems, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hydraulic circuits for locking and core pull operations with the closing force system into one integrated hydraulic architecture. All functions share the same pressure storage device and hydraulic fluid pathway, eliminating redundant components while maintaining full 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 approach allows for significant energy recovery and reuse, improving the dynamics of the locking movement, reducing cycle time, and eliminating the need for additional hydraulic systems, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the closing unit.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure storage device (7) for storing a portion of the hydraulic energy from applying the closing force
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic interconnection of the pressure storage device (7) with the at least one second hydraulic cylinder (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A closing unit for a shaping machine includes mutually moveable mold mounting plates suitable for carrying mold tool portions, a first hydraulic cylinder adapted to apply a closing force to the mold mounting plates, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a pressure storage device connected to the first hydraulic cylinder and adapted to store a pressure prevailing in the first hydraulic cylinder upon pressure relief at a storage device pressure. A hydraulic interconnection of the pressure storage device with the second hydraulic cylinder allows the storage pressure stored in the pressure storage device to be used for locking and/or unlocking the locking device.