Modular Extrusion Die Retaining Plate for Ceramic Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mouthpieces for producing molded ceramic parts via extrusion have rigid, one-piece retaining plates that cannot be easily modified or repaired, leading to economic inefficiencies and material deformation issues due to welding, and require complete replacement when worn or when ceramic mass composition changes.

Innovation Solution

A modular retaining plate system with detachable crossbars and support rods that can be adjusted in length and material, using threaded connections and cylindrical pins for precise alignment and torque-proof attachment, allowing for individual replacement and material flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If retaining rods are welded to the retaining plate, then torsion-proof and permanent attachment is achieved, but the retaining rods cannot be individually removed and material deformation occurs due to heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidindividual replacement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mouthpiece is divided into modular components: a retaining plate with detachably connected retaining rods. Each retaining rod can be individually removed and replaced without affecting other rods, enabling easy repair and maintenance while maintaining secure attachment during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between retaining rods and retaining plate is made dynamically adjustable through detachable connections (screws or clips) instead of permanent welding. This allows the system to transition between securely fixed state during operation and easily separable state for maintenance, providing both reliability and repairability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If retaining rods are welded to the retaining plate, then permanent attachment is achieved, but heat generation causes material deformation and geometric specification deviations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidgeometric specification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process (thermal connection method) is replaced with mechanical connection methods such as screws or clips. This substitution eliminates heat generation during assembly, preventing material deformation and ensuring geometric specifications are maintained, while still providing sufficiently strong connections for operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If the retaining plate is designed as a one-piece solid structure or with welded struts, then structural integrity is achieved, but the geometry cannot be changed and complete replacement is required when worn or when ceramic mass composition changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidgeometric adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining plate structure is segmented into a base plate and detachably connected retaining rods. This modular design maintains the structural integrity needed for operation while allowing individual rods to be replaced or repositioned, enabling geometric adaptations when ceramic mass compositions change without requiring complete replacement of the entire mouthpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mouthpiece design transitions from a static, fixed geometry to a dynamically adaptable configuration. Detachable connections allow the retaining rods to be easily repositioned or replaced, enabling the system to adapt to different ceramic mass compositions and wear conditions while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the entire mouthpiece is replaced when only certain parts are worn, then uniform material properties are maintained, but economic efficiency is reduced due to complete replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial property uniformityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mouthpiece is segmented into a retaining plate and individual retaining rods that can be independently replaced. When only certain rods are worn, only those specific rods need replacement rather than the entire mouthpiece, maintaining material property uniformity where needed while improving operational efficiency by reducing unnecessary replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire mouthpiece when parts are worn, the design enables selective replacement of only the worn retaining rods. The unworn portions of the mouthpiece are retained and reused, improving productivity by reducing material waste and operational downtime while maintaining the reliability of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2735413B1Extrusion die

Publication Date: 2017.06.28 HANDLE GMBH MASCH & ANLAGENBAU

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AI summary

The mouthpiece (1) has a holding rod (8) attached to a holding plate (7), and a core (20) arranged at free end (18) of the holding rod. A passage aperture (28) is formed in transverse frame (7'') and extended in a region of a main frame (7'). A threaded bore (29) is provided in the main frame in a region of a crossover point with the transverse frame. A passage aperture is sealably aligned in a mounted condition at the threaded bore, and the transverse frame is fastened to the main frame by a thread screw (27).