Mold Integrated Storage Device for Design Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mold design files are often lost or separated from the mold during its life cycle, leading to costly re-design and replacement due to damage from repeated molding cycles, necessitating a system for storing and retrieving information directly from the mold.
Innovation Solution
A storage device integrated into the mold, capable of storing electronic information such as mold design, tool paths, and tooling data, with an interface for external computer access, including sensors for recording operational parameters and a processor for updating and retrieving data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mold design files are stored as separate electronic files, then the mold can be repaired or replaced, but the design files may be lost or destroyed or separated from the mold over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage device directly with the mold structure, integrating the electronic storage component into the mold assembly. This merging ensures that design files remain physically associated with the mold throughout its lifecycle, preventing separation and loss of critical information while maintaining reliable data retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device creates and maintains digital copies of mold design files within the mold structure itself. By storing redundant copies of critical design data directly in the mold, the system ensures information preservation even if external files are lost or damaged.
2Reliability
If a storage device is integrated into the mold, then design files are preserved with the mold, but the mold structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is designed to serve multiple functions: storing mold design files, recording operational data, and providing interface connectivity. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive data management capabilities within a single integrated component rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is nested within the mold structure, with the electronic component housed inside the mold body or plate. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint and integrates the storage function seamlessly into the existing mold geometry, reducing the perceived complexity increase.
3Ease of operation
If the storage device interfaces with external computers, then data can be accessed for repair and replacement, but the risk of data loss or corruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data backup and verification before external access operations. The storage device maintains intact original files and creates verified copies before allowing external computer access, ensuring that data integrity is preserved even during transfer or retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface system incorporates feedback mechanisms that verify data integrity during read and write operations. Error detection and correction protocols monitor data transfers between the storage device and external computers, alerting operators to potential corruption issues and preventing unreliable data from being used.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment, a mold includes at least one plate and a storage device supported at the at least one plate. The storage device stores electronic information associated with the mold.