Hydraulic Nozzle Shutter Stroke Control via Adjustable Fluid Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid-powered actuators in injection molding machines lack precise control over stroke adjustment, particularly for complex parts requiring precise positional control of shutters, which is typically achieved with expensive and complex electric actuators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a hydraulic actuator with a movable piston and chamber, where a predetermined amount of fluid is inserted or removed to control the shutter's position, allowing for precise adjustment of stroke and intermediate positions through an auxiliary tank with adjustable volume, enabling precise displacement and speed variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electric actuators are used to control shutter position, then manufacturing precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simplified hydraulic control system. By using a hydraulic actuator with adjustable stroke, the system achieves precise shutter control through mechanical adjustment of fluid volume rather than complex electronic positioning, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from electrical signals to hydraulic fluid volume. By adjusting the volume of hydraulic fluid in the chamber, the shutter stroke is precisely controlled without requiring complex electronic control systems, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
2Device complexity
If fluid-powered actuators are used to reduce cost, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but manufacturing precision and stroke adjustment capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable stroke mechanism into the hydraulic actuator, allowing the shutter stroke to be dynamically adjusted according to different molding requirements. This is achieved by varying the hydraulic fluid volume in the chamber, enabling precise stroke control while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the fluid-powered system
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator is divided into adjustable segments or stages, allowing independent control of different stroke portions. This segmentation enables precise positioning at multiple points along the shutter travel, achieving manufacturing precision comparable to electric actuators while retaining the advantages of hydraulic power
3Device complexity
If fixed stroke hydraulic actuators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed-stroke hydraulic actuator into a dynamic, adjustable-stroke actuator by incorporating a mechanism to vary the hydraulic fluid volume. This allows the same actuator structure to adapt to different shutter stroke requirements for various molding applications, significantly improving versatility without substantially increasing structural complexity
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 solution allows for cost-effective, precise control of fluid-powered actuators in injection molding machines, enabling precise positional control of shutters and efficient material flow, reducing the need for complex electronic control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a piston which is movably mounted in the chamber, displaced linearly thanks to the thrust of the fluid and connected to the shutter
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for driving an actuator which comprises a chamber, a shutter of an injection nozzle for molten material for injection molding, and a piston translatable inside the chamber to actuate a shutter. Means are provided for the transfer of a predetermined amount of fluid between the outside and inside of the chamber, so as to bring/move the shutter from a closing position, in which there is no passage of molten material, towards an opening position, in which there is passage of molten material, by injecting the predetermined amount of fluid from the outside into the chamber or by injecting the predetermined amount of fluid from the chamber towards the outside, or vice versa.