Mandrel System for Dynamic Expandable Member Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mandrel systems for moulding receptacles face challenges in efficiently varying the width of the expandable member to navigate through mould openings without damaging the expandable member or the receptacle, and in ensuring uniform pressure application during the forming process.
Innovation Solution
The mandrel system comprises a mandrel with holes for fluid flow to expand an inflatable member, which is attached to a component and can vary its width by moving the mandrel relative to the component. This system allows for controlled expansion and contraction of the inflatable member, enabling it to pass through narrow mould openings and apply uniform pressure during the forming process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the width of the expandable member is increased to apply uniform pressure during forming, then the pressure uniformity is improved, but the expandable member cannot pass through narrow mould openings
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member's width is made dynamically adjustable through a mechanism involving a mandrel with movable ends. The mandrel can be positioned at different locations along the expandable member's length, thereby controlling the compressed width of the expandable member. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition between narrow configuration (for passing through mould openings) and expanded configuration (for applying uniform pressure during forming).
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into multiple functional components: the expandable member itself, the mandrel with fluid flow holes, and the movable end structure. This segmentation allows independent control of each component's function - the mandrel can be moved to different positions to control the expandable member's width, while the expandable member maintains its ability to expand uniformly when released.
2Ease of operation
If the width of the expandable member is reduced to pass through mould openings, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the pressure application uniformity during forming deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions dynamically between two states: a compressed narrow state for insertion/withdrawal operations, and an expanded state for forming operations. The mandrel's movable end is used to compress the expandable member to a narrow width during insertion, then released during forming to allow uniform expansion and pressure application.
3Reliability
If the expandable member is kept narrow to avoid contact with mould and receptacle, then the damage risk is reduced, but the pressure magnitude and uniformity during forming deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member's width is dynamically controlled to be narrow during insertion and withdrawal phases to minimize contact and damage risk, then expanded to a wider configuration during the forming phase to achieve sufficient pressure magnitude and uniformity. This temporal separation of width requirements resolves the contradiction between protection and performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If the expandable member is expanded uninhibited to improve pressure uniformity, then the pressure distribution is improved, but the stress concentrations in the expandable member increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions in sequence: first inserting the mandrel to control the expandable member's initial narrow configuration, then expanding the member in a controlled manner through fluid pressure, and finally maintaining the expanded state for forming. This controlled expansion sequence allows the structure to adapt progressively, reducing sudden stress concentrations while achieving uniform pressure distribution.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of damage to the expandable member and the receptacle during insertion and withdrawal, while also improving the uniformity and magnitude of pressure applied, leading to enhanced receptacle quality and longevity of the mandrel system components.
Implementation Method 1
the mandrel is at least partially located, or at least partially locatable, inside the expandable member and comprises one or more holes through which a fluid is flowable in use from an interior of the mandrel to an exterior of the mandrel to expand the expandable member
Implementation Method 2
an end of the mandrel is moveable relative to the component to vary a length of the expandable member and thereby to vary a width of the expandable member
Data Source
AI summary
A mandrel system for use with a mould to mould a receptacle is described. The mandrel system comprises a component, a mandrel, and an expandable member. The mandrel is at least partially located, or at least partially locatable, inside the expandable member and comprises one or more holes through which a fluid is flowable in use from an interior of the mandrel to an exterior of the mandrel to expand the expandable member. The expandable member is attached, or is attachable, to the component. When the expandable member is attached to the component and the mandrel is at least partially located inside the expandable member, an end of the mandrel is moveable relative to the component to vary a length of the expandable member and thereby to vary a width of the expandable member.