Mold Cooling System With Intermediate Recesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling methods for molds in glassware forming machines lack flexibility and efficiency in controlling temperature distribution, particularly in the blow station where precise cooling is required to maintain optimal glass shaping conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cooling system with vertically extending passages and strategically located recesses or radial passages that allow for flexible air supply direction and localization of cooling, enabling adjustable and targeted cooling by controlling the air flow through the mold members during the machine cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cooling air is supplied to the top or bottom of vertical cooling passages, then the cooling effect can be calculated with given air pressure and passage dimensions, but the cooling flexibility and temperature distribution control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent air supply points (top plenum chamber, bottom plenum chamber, and intermediate recesses) that can be controlled separately. This allows different zones of the mold to receive cooling air independently, enabling flexible temperature distribution control without requiring a complete redesign of the cooling system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate recesses are introduced as mediator structures between the top and bottom plenum chambers. These recesses allow cooling air to be supplied at multiple intermediate levels within the mold, creating a more distributed cooling pattern that improves temperature uniformity while maintaining the simplicity of the overall system design.
2Manufacturing precision
If cooling passages extend vertically through the mold member, then the cooling effect is calculable with given parameters, but hot spots cannot be effectively eliminated and temperature uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system applies local quality by providing cooling air at different locations (top, bottom, and intermediate recesses) with potentially different pressures and flow rates. This allows specific hot spot areas to receive enhanced cooling while other areas maintain standard cooling, achieving temperature uniformity without sacrificing overall cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system can implement periodic action by alternately supplying cooling air to different plenum chambers and recesses during the molding cycle. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing thermal conditions and maintain optimal temperature uniformity throughout the process.
3Ease of operation
If cooling air is supplied from a single plenum chamber, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to localize cooling and control temperature distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply system transitions from a static single-plenum design to a dynamic multi-plenum design with intermediate recesses. Each plenum and recess can be independently controlled to adjust air pressure and flow distribution, providing dynamic temperature control capability while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized components.
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
This approach enhances the cooling efficiency of the blow mold, allowing for precise temperature control and reduced hot spots, thereby improving the glass shaping process by maintaining consistent and optimal mold temperatures throughout the cycle.
Implementation Method 1
providing cooling air (either from the top or from the bottom) to these passages from a plenum chamber
Implementation Method 2
cool the blank and blow molds... cooling air will travel upwardly and downwardly through these holes from this inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A mold cooling system for an I.S. machine wherein cooling air is supplied to vertical cooling holes defined in the molds either at their ends or midway along their length.