Magnetic Slide Assembly for Simpler Injection Mold Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide assemblies for injection molds are complex, costly, and require numerous components and precise machining, which limits their efficiency and hinders automation due to the need for inclined guides and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A simplified slide assembly using a magnetic sliding base with magnets and a positioning ball, eliminating the need for classic guides and precise machining, allowing for self-centering and frictionless movement with angular and transverse sliding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional slide assemblies with inclined guides and precision-ground base guides are used, then the slide can achieve precise movement and stable positioning, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical guide system (inclined guides, precision-ground base guides, auxiliary retaining mechanisms) with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets are embedded in the mold plates to provide guiding and positioning forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures while maintaining movement precision and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the inclined guides and auxiliary retaining mechanisms from the conventional slide assembly. By taking out these unnecessary mechanical components and replacing their functions with magnetic fields, the device complexity is reduced while the essential functions of guiding and positioning are preserved.
2Ease of operation
If inclined guides with protrusions are used to achieve the intended movements, then the slide can follow the required path, but the free space in the mold is reduced and robot access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the space-consuming inclined guides with magnetic fields that provide the same guiding function without physical protrusions. The magnetic guides are embedded in the mold plates and exert forces on the slide through the material, controlling the movement path without occupying additional space or hindering robot access to the mold area.
3Reliability
If classic hardened and precision-ground base guides are used, then the slide can achieve perfect operation, but the manufacturing cost and machining complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive precision-ground mechanical guides with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are embedded in the mold plates to provide reliable guiding and positioning forces, achieving the same operational reliability without the need for costly hardened and precision-ground base guides, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of interaction from mechanical contact (physical guides) to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows the system to achieve reliable slide operation through magnetic forces rather than mechanical contact, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If auxiliary mechanisms are incorporated to retain the slide during ejection, then the slide can be securely positioned, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auxiliary mechanical retaining mechanisms with magnetic fields that continuously hold the slide in position during the ejection process. The magnets embedded in the mold plates provide retaining forces without requiring additional mechanical components, achieving secure slide retention while reducing device complexity.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs and complexity, enhances automation by freeing up space for robots, and ensures precise and repeatable movement without the need for precise positioning, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the injection molding process.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic base is positioned in the mold by its own gripping force and also guarantees the adhesion of the slide assembly during the entire working cycle
Implementation Method 2
In addition, in a certain position, it incorporates a positioning ball which, pushed by a spring, serves as a positioner to fix the slide body when the mold is opened
Implementation Method 3
the contact faces between the closing wedge and the slide body generate, due to the angle of inclination of both parts, the forward sliding of the slide body, which is generated at the moment of closing the mold, while the backward movement is generated by the same method at the moment of opening the mold
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The slide assembly for injection molds comprises a closing wedge (1); a slide body (5) provided with a hole for at least partially housing said closing wedge (1); a figure insert (4) coupled to the slide body (5), wherein the figure insert (4), in the use position, is vertically and horizontally movable with respect to the slide body (5). Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a slide assembly for injection molds that is more economical and simpler.