Modular Mold System with Vacuum Breaking Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molds for forming structures with molding substances like sand or snow often create vacuums that make it difficult to separate the mold from the formed structure, leading to potential damage or loss of structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A modular mold system comprising separable sections that can be connected and disconnected using securing devices like buckles or latches, with a separation tool to break the vacuum by inserting a blade or wedge between the sections, allowing for denser packing and easier removal of the mold without damaging the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the molding substance is compacted in the mold to create a sturdier structure, then the strength of the molded structure is improved, but a vacuum is created that makes it difficult to separate the mold from the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into multiple separable sections that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the mold to be removed from the compacted molding substance without requiring the entire mold to be separated at once, reducing the vacuum adhesion problem while maintaining the ability to create densely packed, strong structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A separation tool is introduced as an intermediary device to break the vacuum between the mold sections and the molded structure. This tool allows air to be introduced between the mold and the structure, eliminating the vacuum adhesion force and enabling easy mold removal while preserving the strength of the molded structure.
2Quantity of substance
If a vacuum is created inside the mold during compaction, then the molding substance is more densely packed, but the vacuum may retain molding substance in the mold or cause the structure to break during separation
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the mold into multiple sections allows for controlled separation. The sections can be detached sequentially, and the separation tool can be inserted between sections to break vacuum adhesion progressively, preventing sudden releases that might damage the structure while maintaining high density during compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation tool acts as a mediator that introduces air between the mold sections and the molded structure. This eliminates the vacuum force that would otherwise cause the structure to break or have material retained in the mold, allowing dense packing without compromising structural integrity during removal.
3Ease of operation
If the mold is designed to be removed vertically using gravity, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vacuum may still be strong enough to break the structure or lift it from its intended place
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is segmented into multiple sections that can be removed vertically in a controlled manner. The separation tool is inserted between sections to break vacuum adhesion before lifting, allowing gravity to assist removal without the vacuum force opposing the lifting action, thus preventing structure breakage or unintended displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation tool serves as an intermediary that breaks the vacuum seal between the mold and the structure before vertical removal. This allows gravity to effectively assist in the removal process without the vacuum force counteracting it, enabling easy vertical extraction while preserving structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mold sections are used to form complex structures, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold system is divided into standardized, separable sections that can be configured in different arrangements to form various complex structures. This segmentation provides adaptability for creating diverse forms while keeping each individual section relatively simple in design, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold sections are designed with universal features that allow them to function in multiple positions and configurations. This multi-functionality enables the formation of complex structures using the same basic sections, reducing the need for numerous specialized mold pieces and thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for a mold system for molding structures (e.g., sand castles) from one or more various types of molding substances (e.g., sand, clay, snow). In one embodiment, a mold system comprises a split mold comprising at least two mold sections. In one embodiment, a modular mold system allows for different types of mold sections with corresponding joining elements to be joined together to create forms for molding various types of structures. In some embodiments, mold sections are configured to facilitate the breaking of a vacuum created when molding substances are packed into the mold system, thus making it easier to separate a mold from the formed structure.