Interchangeable Segment Separating Drum for Injection Molded Parts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separating drums for injection molded and sprue parts are complex, require adjustments for different tasks, and involve complete drum replacement, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable separating drum with a cylindrical base frame and interchangeable segments that can be easily attached and detached without tools, allowing for quick conversion between different separating tasks without the need for an adjustment mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complete drum replacement is performed to change separating tasks, then the separating drum can be adapted to different tasks, but the time and cost required for replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparating task adaptabilityVSAvoiddrum replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drum is divided into a permanent base frame and interchangeable segments. The segments can be independently attached or removed from the base frame, allowing quick task changes without replacing the entire drum. This segmentation enables the separating drum to adapt to different separating tasks by simply exchanging segments rather than the complete drum assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustment mechanisms are added to the separating drum, then the drum can be adjusted for different tasks, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation gap adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating drum features a movable wall section that can be shifted along the longitudinal axis to adjust the separation gap. This dynamic element allows the separation gap to be varied between 0 and 50 mm without complex adjustment mechanisms. The movable wall section is guided by guide surfaces and can be positioned using simple locking elements, maintaining device simplicity while providing continuous adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If interchangeable segments are designed with tool-free fastening, then the ease of operation improves, but the fastening reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment attachment easeVSAvoidsegment fastening reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interchangeable segments are equipped with self-contained fastening and locking elements that operate without external tools. The fastening elements engage with corresponding receptacles on the base frame, while locking elements automatically secure the segments in place. This self-service mechanism allows operators to quickly attach and detach segments by hand while ensuring reliable fixation during drum rotation, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining fastening integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3801931B1Separating drum
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3801931B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a separating drum for separating different kinds of parts, in particular injection molded and molded parts, having a substantially cylindrical separation main frame (10) which can be rotated about an axis and change segments (9) which can be reversibly secured to the separation main frame. Openings (11) for separating the parts are formed solely by the change segments (9).