In-Mould Pick and Place Robot for Multi-Part Moulding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection moulding machines lack efficient methods for assembling multi-component plastics articles with precision and flexibility, particularly in integrating different parts during the moulding process without compromising de-moulding functions or requiring specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A moulding machine with integrated in-mould pick and place technology, featuring a robot system fixed to the mould, allows for the simultaneous moulding and assembly of multiple parts across multiple mould sections, utilizing a common parting line and adaptable orientations, and incorporating a bi-injection press with a pick and place system for precise assembly and reduced robot arm movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot system is used for assembling parts after moulding, then assembly flexibility is improved, but production time is increased due to separate assembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the assembly operation with the moulding operation by integrating a robot system directly into the mould structure. The robot picks parts from one mould section and places them into another mould section while the mould is still closed, merging two separate operations (moulding and assembly) into one simultaneous process. This eliminates the time loss associated with separate post-moulding assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly operation is performed preliminarily during the moulding cycle itself, before the parts are ejected. The robot system prepares the assembled configuration while the parts are still in the mould, taking advantage of the time when the mould is closed and the parts are being formed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly operations after ejection.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate machines are used for moulding different parts, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal moulding machine that can handle multiple parts and assemblies within a single machine. The machine features multiple mould sections that can be configured in different arrangements (face-to-face, back-to-back, lateral) and can accommodate parts of different sizes through adaptable robot positioning. This multi-functional capability maintains precision for all parts while eliminating the need for multiple separate machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The mould is divided into multiple independent sections that can be arranged in various configurations. Each section can be optimally positioned and oriented to handle specific parts, maintaining manufacturing precision for each component. The segmented mould structure allows the robot system to access and assemble different parts in different sequences and orientations without requiring separate machines.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the robot system is fixed to the machine rather than the mould, then machine stability is improved, but adaptability to different mould configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to be repositioned and reconfigured for different mould arrangements. The robot can be positioned at various locations (front, rear, lateral sides) and can adapt its movement paths and assembly sequences based on the specific mould configuration being used. This dynamic adaptability maintains machine stability while providing flexibility for different mould setups.
4Productivity
If in-mould assembly is implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing post-moulding operations, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly function with the mould structure by integrating a robot system directly into the mould. The robot is positioned within the mould assembly and performs picking and placing operations while the mould is closed. This integration eliminates the need for separate post-moulding assembly operations, improving productivity while the modular integration approach keeps the added complexity manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A moulding machine suitable for producing an article (101) having two or more parts (A, B), the moulding machine comprising two or more mould sections (202, 203) for respective article parts and an in-mould pick and place mean (204). A moulding machine including one or more moulds (202, 203) and a robot pick- and-place system (204), in which the robot pick-and-place system is fixed to a mould. A method of forming an article (101) having two or more parts (A, B), in which a first part of the article is moulded in a first mould section (202) of a moulding machine comprising two or more mould sections for respective article parts and an in-mould pick and place means (204), and the in-mould pick and place means moves a moulded first part of the article from the first mould section (202) to a second mould section (203) of the two or more mould sections.