Modular Side Gating Nozzle for Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot runner injection molding systems face limitations in easy assembly, disassembly, and servicing of side gated nozzles without compromising system performance, particularly due to thermal expansion issues and leakage risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular and removable hot runner injection molding apparatus with a two-part nozzle design, featuring a sliding connector element and angled auxiliary melt channels, along with removable nozzle head segments and mold cavity inserts, which allows for axial movement and easy access for servicing, and includes liquid cooling channels for efficient part cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seals protrude via a tight fit into a mold section adjacent the mold gates, then the sealing performance is improved, but the assembling and disassembling becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into separate segments (nozzle body, nozzle tips, seals) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The sealing elements are provided as separate components that can be easily attached to the nozzle tips, allowing for quick replacement and maintenance while maintaining effective sealing performance.
2Reliability
If the seals protrude via a tight fit into a mold section adjacent the mold gates, then the sealing performance is improved, but the servicing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle system is segmented into easily separable components, with sealing elements provided as separate attachable components. This allows for rapid servicing where seals can be quickly replaced without disassembling the entire nozzle structure, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are designed as replaceable components that can be quickly swapped out when worn or damaged. This approach allows for economical maintenance by replacing only the sealing elements rather than the entire nozzle assembly, minimizing servicing time and costs.
3Strength
If a single-piece nozzle design is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the adaptability for different molding configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with separable segments that can be configured in different arrangements to suit various molding applications. The nozzle tips, seals, and body sections can be assembled in different configurations while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection mechanisms, providing versatility for different gate positions and cavity arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design incorporates dynamic adjustability through removable and reconfigurable components. The auxiliary melt channels and nozzle tips can be positioned and configured to adapt to different molding requirements, allowing the same basic nozzle structure to serve multiple applications while maintaining strength through secure assembly.
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
Facilitates simplified assembly, disassembly, and servicing of the nozzle components, prevents thermal expansion-induced damage, and ensures leak-proof operation by maintaining a secure seal during the molding process, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the hot runner system.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding connector element that provides for an axial movement of the nozzle head segment or of the nozzle flange segment to avoid any difficulties due to thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
each nozzle tip is surrounded by a nozzle seal element
Implementation Method 3
includes liquid cooling channels for efficient part cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A hot runner injection molding apparatus to manufacture molded parts with a manifold having an inlet melt channel and a plurality of outlet melt channels, a plurality of injection molding cavities and a plurality of side gating nozzles coupled to the outlet melt channels and to the injection molding cavities. Each nozzle has a nozzle flange segment including a first melt channel disposed along a first axis and each side gating nozzle further includes a separate and removable nozzle head segment that is coupled to the flange segment via a sliding connector element that provides for an axial movement of the nozzle head segment or of the nozzle flange segment. Each nozzle head segment retains at least two nozzle tips that extend at least partially outside an outer surface of the nozzle head segment and each nozzle tip is surrounded by a nozzle seal element.