Injection Molding Device with Placeholder Element for Quick Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection molding devices require significant manual effort for conversion when producing multicomponent parts with different functional part configurations, such as syringes of varying needle diameters, and result in unnecessary waste and costs due to the production of reject moldings that are difficult to recycle.

Innovation Solution

An injection molding device equipped with a changing device that allows for quick conversion between different functional part holders and a placeholder element, enabling the production of multicomponent parts with varying functional parts without the need for expensive functional parts, thereby reducing waste and facilitating recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion of injection molding device is performed when changing production models, then the device can be converted to produce different multicomponent parts, but significant manual effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce different multicomponent partsVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The injection molding device is segmented into modular components: the injection mold can be independently removed and replaced, and functional parts are separately held in changeable holders. This segmentation allows the mold and functional parts to be converted independently without converting the entire device, significantly reducing conversion time and manual effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The injection molding device is designed with universal interfaces and standardized mold mounting positions that can accommodate different types of molds and functional parts. The mold plate or mold half serves as a universal base that can hold various mold configurations, enabling the same device to produce different multicomponent parts through simple mold replacement rather than device redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce different multicomponent partsVSAvoidconversion effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the conversion process into independent steps (removing old mold, placing new mold, positioning functional parts), the complex manual conversion task is broken down into simple, standardized operations. Each segment can be performed quickly without requiring complex tooling or extensive manual manipulation, greatly easing the operation during model changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized mold interfaces and mounting patterns serve as reusable templates that can be copied across different production models. Once a mold configuration is established, the same interface standards enable rapid replication and replacement of molds for different products, reducing the skill and effort required for each conversion event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If functional parts are inserted into injection mold during commissioning or repairs to produce reject moldings, then the device can continue operating without stopping, but expensive functional parts are wasted and create recycling difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidwaste of functional parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces placeholder elements that serve as temporary, inexpensive substitutes for expensive functional parts during commissioning, startup, or repair operations. These placeholder elements are specifically designed to be disposable or easily replaceable, allowing the injection mold to operate continuously and produce reject moldings without consuming valuable functional parts. The placeholder fulfills the mechanical function of occupying the functional part holder position while being economically disposable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The placeholder element acts as an intermediary between the functional part holder and the injection molding process. During periods when the device operates without producing sellable products (commissioning, repairs), the placeholder mediates by occupying the holder position and allowing mold closure, preventing direct insertion of expensive functional parts while maintaining continuous device operation. This intermediary solution protects valuable functional parts from waste during non-productive periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11685088B2Injection molding device, method for injection molding multicomponent parts, use of a placeholder element, and computer program and computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 ZAHORANSKY AUTOMATION & MOLDS GMBH

AI summary

The production of multicomponent parts (4) which include a functional part (3), in particular a hollow needle, onto which a plastic molding (2), in particular a syringe barrel (2), is molded. In order to be able to convert the injection molding device quickly and conveniently, the device has a changing device (11), by which it is possible optionally to move functional part holders (7, 8, 9), matched to different types of functional parts, and/or a functional part holder (8) and a placeholder element (10) into the use position thereof in front of a mold cavity (6) of the injection mold (5) of the injection molding device (1).