Glassware Machine Locking Mechanism Vertical Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass molding machine locking mechanisms face issues with space constraints due to lateral drive elements, wear, and complex maintenance, as well as ineffective lubrication and servo motor utilization.
Innovation Solution
The drive train components are positioned below the station housing, allowing for a simplified structure with a linear guide and oil bath lubrication, enabling easy maintenance and lubrication control, and using a toggle lever mechanism for efficient force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lateral drive elements are positioned at the same height as mold halves, then the closing mechanism can be implemented, but installation space is consumed and not available for other functional elements
Solution Approach 1:
The drive elements are repositioned from a lateral arrangement at mold half height to a vertical arrangement below the station housing. This dimensional change relocates the drive mechanism to an previously underutilized space, freeing up lateral installation space while maintaining the closing mechanism functionality through vertical force transmission.
2Reliability
If Teflon-coated sheet metal bushings are used to reduce wear, then wear is reduced initially, but rotation under load destroys the coating and creates play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the Teflon-coated bushings with plain spherical bearings that are designed to be replaced periodically. This eliminates the problem of coating destruction under load, as the bearings are simple, robust components without fragile coatings, maintaining positioning precision throughout their service life.
3Reliability
If the complete station housing is replaced in case of damage, then repair is ensured, but the amount of work is considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into a separate, modular unit positioned below the station housing. This modular design allows the drive train to be independently removed, repaired, or replaced without replacing the entire station housing, significantly reducing maintenance time and work while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive train is extracted from the main station housing structure and positioned as a separate below-housing unit. This extraction allows the drive mechanism to be accessed, maintained, and repaired independently, eliminating the need for complete housing replacement while ensuring repair capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If lateral drive elements are positioned at station housing level, then the closing mechanism functions, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drive elements are merged into a single integrated vertical drive train positioned below the station housing. This consolidation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex lateral linkages and intermediate levers, reducing the number of components, and making the system easier to manufacture and maintain.
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 configuration reduces wear, simplifies maintenance, and ensures reliable lubrication, allowing for precise and reproducible mold movements while optimizing the use of servo motors.
Implementation Method 1
An oil bath is provided, which at least completely accommodates the transmission, so that a significant reduction in wear can be achieved as a result of the permanent contact with lubricating oil.
Implementation Method 2
A central lubrication system is provided for this purpose, via which parts that require lubrication are supplied outside the oil bath. This relates in particular to the guide mentioned and the guide elements that interact with it.
Data Source
AI summary
The closing mechanism for the mold halves (7, 8) supported by two mold holders (4, 5) is characterized by a drive train that is suspended below the housing section (3) inside the station housing. The mold holders (4, 5) are supported on a linear guide and are connected via a threaded spindle, a threaded sleeve, and a gearbox to a drive unit that is configured to generate a vertically directed linear movement. A toggle-lever gearbox is used, which is located within an oil bath contained in the station housing (1). This arrangement of the essential components of the drive train allows them to be removed from or installed in the station housing via the top side as needed, thus simplifying repair and maintenance work compared to previously known designs.