IS Machine Mould Assembly with Elastic Compensators for Uniform Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mold arrangements in IS machines for glass container production face challenges in ensuring all mold halves close tightly and evenly due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, leading to gaps in some molds and inefficiencies in the production process.

Innovation Solution

A mold arrangement with elastically deformable primary and secondary compensators, such as metallic omega springs, and a toggle lever mechanism to uniformly close mold halves, using a crankshaft and servomotor-driven transmission devices to adjust force and compensate for manufacturing and thermal variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If mold halves are brought together using a conventional closing mechanism, then the mold closing speed is sufficient for production, but manufacturing tolerances and mechanical impact cause uneven closure with gaps in some molds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure uniformityVSAvoidclosing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces compensators that change the mechanical parameters of the closing system by providing elastic deformation capability. These compensators allow the closing force to be distributed more uniformly across multiple mold halves by accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances through elastic compression, thereby improving closure uniformity without fundamentally redesigning the entire closing mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The compensators act as intermediary elements between the transmission device and the mold halves. They mediate the force transmission by deformable connections, allowing each mold half to receive appropriate closing force while accommodating individual variations. This intermediary layer absorbs the impact of manufacturing tolerances and prevents gap formation in molds that would otherwise remain open

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple mold halves are closed simultaneously, then production efficiency increases, but it becomes difficult to ensure each individual mold closes tightly and form-fittingly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidindividual mold closure precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the closing force transmission by providing individual compensators for each mold half (or groups of mold halves). This segmentation allows each mold closing action to be independently compensated, ensuring that simultaneous closure of multiple molds does not compromise individual closure precision. Each compensator handles the specific needs of its associated mold half while the overall system maintains high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By introducing elastic compensators, the system changes the force distribution parameters during simultaneous closing. The compensators allow the closing force to be dynamically adjusted for each mold half based on its specific requirements, enabling precise control over multiple closing actions occurring in parallel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a rigid closing mechanism is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but manufacturing tolerances cause some molds to remain closed with gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold closure reliabilityVSAvoidclosing mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible compensators (elastic elements) in the closing mechanism structure. These flexible components deform under load to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and ensure reliable closure of all mold halves. The flexibility allows the mechanism to adapt to variations in mold half dimensions while maintaining structural integrity and closure reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The compensators provide beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the closing mechanism to absorb potential gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances. This prior cushioning ensures that even if mold halves have slight dimensional variations, the elastic compensators make up the difference to achieve reliable closure without requiring post-adjustment or complex compensation mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures uniform and precise closure of mold halves, reduces wear, and minimizes stress peaks, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing material and storage costs.

Implementation Method 1

elastically deformable primary compensators (6), which are arranged between the first transmission device (5) and the mold halves (2) of the first row

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4613718A1Mould assembly for an is machine
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 HEYE INT
  • EP4613718A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613718A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4613718A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mold arrangement (1) for an IS machine, comprising a first row of mold halves (2) and a second row of mold halves (3), wherein the mold halves (2, 3) of the two rows are opposite one another and in each case one mold half (2) of the first row and one mold half (3) of the second row are associated with one another in such a way that they can jointly form a closed mold, and a mold closing mechanism (4) with which the mold halves (2) of the first row and the mold halves (3) of the second row can be reversibly brought together from a position of mutually associated mold halves (2, 3) at a distance from one another to a position in which mutually associated mold halves (2, 3) form a closed mold, wherein the mold closing mechanism (4) has a first transmission device (5) with which a force for bringing the mold halves (2, 3) together can be exerted on the mold halves (2) of the first row.3) of the two rows, characterized in that primary compensators (6) are arranged between the first transmission device (5) and the mold halves (2) of the first row, which are elastically deformable when the mold halves (2, 3) of the two rows are brought together. In this way, a mold assembly (1) for an IS machine is provided which exhibits improved closing characteristics.