Hydraulic Quick-Release Mechanism for Large Composite Mould Turnover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mould turnover systems for large composite moulds, such as wind turbine blade moulds, require manual intervention to disconnect and reconnect, which is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and hazardous due to the massive size and weight of the moulds.
Innovation Solution
A mould turnover system featuring a quick releasing mechanism with a hook and engaging member, driven by a hydraulic cylinder, allowing for automatic and safe connection and disconnection without manual intervention, equipped with proximity sensors for safety and a pressure holding valve to prevent accidental release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pins or bolts are used to connect the turnover device to the rotatable mould, then the connection strength is sufficient to handle large composite moulds, but the manual removal and installation process becomes time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pin or bolt connection system with an automated hydraulic quick-release mechanism. The hydraulic cylinder automatically engages and disengages the hook from the engaging member, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining strong connection during operation and enabling rapid release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder to drive the hook mechanism, using hydraulic force to automatically engage and disengage the connection between the turnover device and rotatable mould. This hydraulic system provides both the necessary connection strength and the ability for rapid, automated release without manual handling of heavy components.
2Device complexity
If manual intervention is required to disconnect the mould, then the connection mechanism can be simple, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and dangerous due to mould size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic quick-release mechanism is designed to automatically perform the disconnection function without requiring manual intervention. The system uses hydraulic pressure to engage and disengage the hook, allowing the mould to be quickly released by simply activating the hydraulic system rather than manually handling heavy pins or bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple manual mechanical connections with an automated hydraulic system that performs the connection and disconnection functions automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
3Extent of automation
If a hydraulic cylinder is used to drive the hook, then automatic engagement and disengagement is achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder serves multiple functions: it provides the force to engage the hook with the engaging member during connection, and it provides the force to disengage the hook during release. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving full automation.
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
Enables efficient, safe, and automated operation of large composite moulds, reducing manual labor and ensuring robust performance even in dirty environments, facilitating the production of large composite parts like wind turbine blades.
Implementation Method 1
the driving mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder that is connected to the hook at one end and fixed to the turnover device at the opposite end
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a pressure holding valve to prevent accidental releasing
Implementation Method 3
the hook is equipped with one or more proximity sensors, which can be used to signal to a control system whether the hook is engaged or disengaged
Data Source
AI summary
A mold turnover system for turning over the rotating side mold over the fixed side mold includes a turnover device and a quick releasing mechanism, characterized in that the quick releasing mechanism comprises a hook associated with the turnover device and an engaging member associated with the rotating side mold, wherein the hook can be quick engaged onto or disengaged from the engaging member.