Modular Core Package Clamping for Flexible Casting Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for multi-part core packages require multiple molds and significant molding material use, leading to high operating costs and inefficiencies when producing differently sized or shaped products.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device with independently movable clamping modules that apply force to opposing pressure surfaces of the core package, allowing adaptation to various geometries and reducing the need for multiple molds and molding material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a box mold with molding sand filling is used to support the core package, then the core package is externally supported and fixed, but operating costs increase due to the need for a box molding machine and multiple molds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore package support and fixationVSAvoidoperating cost and production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of supporting and fixing the core package from the complex box mold system. Instead of using a complete box mold with molding sand filling, the patent applies clamping devices that directly clamp the core package at specific clamping points, removing the unnecessary mold structure while retaining the core support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device is designed to be universally applicable to different core packages. The adjustable clamping points and modular design allow the same clamping device to support various core package geometries and sizes, replacing the need for multiple specialized molds and achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the core package is adapted to the size of the mold, then the mold provides adequate support, but molding material consumption increases significantly when the product is smaller than the existing mold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold support adequacyVSAvoidmolding material consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the entire mold to be sized for the largest possible core package, the invention applies clamping forces locally at specific clamping points on the core package. This localized approach provides adequate support without requiring excessive molding material to fill the entire mold cavity, reducing material consumption while maintaining support adequacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple molds are used for continuous production of different products, then each product can be properly supported, but device complexity and cost increase due to mold replacement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct-specific supportVSAvoidnumber of molds and replacement operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device incorporates adjustable clamping points and modular components that allow it to adapt to different core package geometries and sizes. This universal design enables a single clamping device to support multiple product types without requiring mold replacements, reducing device complexity while maintaining product-specific support adequacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device features adjustable and movable clamping points that can be dynamically repositioned according to the specific core package geometry. This dynamic adaptability allows the same device structure to provide optimal support for different products, eliminating the need for static, product-specific molds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the core package geometry deviates from a square or rectangular mold shape, then the mold must be oversized, but unusable areas increase and material efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore package supportVSAvoidunusable molding material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention provides support only at the specific locations where clamping forces are needed on the core package, rather than requiring a complete mold structure that encompasses the entire core package volume. This localized support approach eliminates unusable material in irregular areas while maintaining adequate support for the core package geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables cost-effective and flexible production of diverse products by minimizing molding material usage and eliminating the need for mold changes, enhancing the clamping device's versatility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping device has at least two clamping modules by means of which the clamping force can be applied to the core package

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

wherein the clamping element has a spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4647191A1Clamping device for a core package and method for casting
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 HEINRICH WAGNER MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO
  • EP4647191A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4647191A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4647191A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping device (11) for a multi-part core package (12) made of a molding material and to a method for casting with such a clamping device, wherein the clamping device comprises at least one clamping element (16) by means of which the core package can be subjected to a clamping force on opposing pressure surfaces (13) of the core package, wherein the clamping element has at least two clamping modules (17) by means of which the clamping force can be applied to the core package, wherein the clamping modules each have a clamping element (21) for contact with one of the pressure surfaces of the core package, wherein the clamping elements are movable independently of each other relative to the pressure surface.