Match Plate Molding Machine Simultaneous Flask Removal
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional match-plate molding machines often cause defects in molds due to the impact received during the removal process when the match plate adheres to either the upper or lower mold, leading to inefficient two-step stripping procedures.
Innovation Solution
A molding machine design where the cope and drag flasks are simultaneously pushed away from the match plate using hydraulic and air cylinders, with the cope flask moving at twice the velocity of the match plate, allowing synchronized removal and preventing mold impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cope and drag flasks are removed from the match plate in sequence (conventional two-step stripping), then the removal process can be completed, but the mold adhered to the match plate receives significant impact during removal causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the removal of the cope flask and drag flask into a single simultaneous operation. The cope flask is pushed upward by a cope pushing means while the drag flask is pushed downward by a drag pushing means, and both flasks are removed from the match plate at the same time when the match plate is in its lowered position. This eliminates the sequential two-step stripping process and prevents impact defects on molds adhered to the match plate.
2Productivity
If the match plate is moved immediately before the second stripping, then the first stripping can be completed, but the moving match plate causes impact when removing the adhered mold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pushing the cope and drag flasks away from the match plate before the match plate is moved. The cope flask is pushed upward and the drag flask is pushed downward while the match plate is still in the lowered position, creating clearance between the flasks and match plate. Only after this preliminary separation is completed is the match plate moved to the raised position, ensuring that no impact is transmitted to adhered molds during the movement.
3Reliability
If the cope flask moves at twice the velocity of the match plate during removal, then synchronized removal is achieved, but the velocity control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic pushing means to control the movement of the cope and drag flasks. The cope pushing means (hydraulic cylinder 11) and drag pushing means (pneumatic cylinder 12) are designed to move the flasks at controlled velocities, with the cope flask moving at twice the velocity of the match plate. This pneumatic-hydraulic system provides precise velocity control without requiring complex mechanical velocity ratio mechanisms.
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 synchronized removal process prevents mold defects by ensuring both flasks are stripped simultaneously, reducing the risk of impact and improving the molding process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cope flask is pushed away from the match plate by a cope pushing means (hydraulic cylinder 11)
Implementation Method 2
the drag flask is pushed away from the match plate by a drag pushing means (pneumatic cylinder 12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a molding method for separating a cope flask and a drag flask from a match plate at the same time. The method comprises the steps of: holding the match plate between the cope and drag flasks; inserting an upper squeeze member and a lower squeeze member into openings of the cope and drag flasks, which are opposed to the match plate, to define an upper molding space and a lower molding space, respectively; filling the defined molding space with molding sand; and driving the upper and lower squeeze members toward the match plate to squeeze the molding sand within the upper and lower molding space to mold an upper mold and a lower mold at the same time. The cope and drag flasks that are included within said molded upper and lower molds are forcibly pushed away from the match plate at the same time when the flasks are stationary.