Mold Carrier Motion Sequence for Precise Mold Plate Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mold systems for forming articles of footwear are resource-intensive and prone to manufacturing errors due to the large mass of mold plates, leading to frequent hinge breakdowns and misalignment, which increases waste and costs.

Innovation Solution

A mold opening apparatus utilizing a mold carrier member with vertical and rotational movement mechanisms to align and position mold portions, reducing errors by initially lifting one mold portion vertically and then rotating it into a vertical position, avoiding complex movements that can deform mold materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hinged mold plates are used to facilitate opening and closing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequent hinge breakdowns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidhinge durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hinge component entirely from the mold plate assembly. Instead of using hinged mold plates, the invention employs a mold opening apparatus that mechanically separates and positions mold plates without requiring hinges, thereby eliminating the reliability issue associated with hinge breakdowns while maintaining ease of operation through automated positioning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If large mass mold plates are used, then strength is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold plate strengthVSAvoidmold plate alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mold opening apparatus as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the large mass mold plates. This apparatus includes positioning systems and alignment mechanisms that mediate the interaction, ensuring precise alignment of the heavy mold plates during opening and closing operations, thereby maintaining both the strength benefits of large mass plates and the manufacturing precision required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual lifting aids are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manual operationVSAvoidmold plate alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual lifting and positioning mechanisms with an automated mold opening apparatus that uses controlled mechanical systems including motors, actuators, and positioning systems. This substitution eliminates the misalignment issues associated with manual operation while maintaining ease of use through automated control, allowing the heavy mold plates to be positioned precisely without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12539648B2Mold system, mold opening apparatus, and methods for opening and closing a mold assembly

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 NIKE INC

AI summary

A mold system, mold opening apparatus, and method. The mold opening apparatus can include a mold carrier member, a vertical movement mechanism, a rotational movement mechanism, and one or more mold engagement mechanisms.