Mold Base Hold Retainer with Roller Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for injection molding machines lack efficient mechanisms for secure mold plate engagement and easy release, leading to potential misalignment and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a base with a longitudinal bore and counterbore, a roller actuator assembly, and biasing elements that securely engage and disengage the mold plates using a projection system, allowing for precise alignment and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional locking device with multiple separate components is used, then the mold plates can be locked, but the alignment precision deteriorates and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (base, actuator, biasing element, retaining element) into an integrated locking device assembly that is mounted to the mold plate. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needing alignment while maintaining precise positioning through the integrated structure's inherent geometry and mounting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into functional modules (base for mounting, actuator for movement, biasing element for force, retaining element for locking) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled as a pre-aligned unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while the integrated assembly ensures precise alignment when mounted to the mold plate.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the mold plates are firmly engaged, but the release operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element automatically engages the retaining element with the projection to secure the mold plates, and the same biasing element automatically disengages them when the actuator moves. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual release operations while maintaining reliable locking through the spring-loaded engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic disconnected state through actuator movement. The biasing element provides continuous force to maintain engagement, while the actuator's movement dynamically changes the relative positions to enable easy release when needed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional locking devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the wear increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the projection, distributing contact forces across multiple surfaces rather than concentrating wear at a single point. This intermediary component protects the critical mating surfaces and reduces overall wear on the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the actuator and projection with an indirect engagement system using the retaining element and biasing element. This substitution reduces friction and wear by using rolling or pivoting motion instead of sliding contact, extending the device lifespan.
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
The solution provides a secure and reliable locking mechanism that ensures precise alignment of mold plates during the injection molding process while facilitating easy release, reducing operational complexity and wear, and extending the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of biasing elements, each respective biasing element of the plurality of biasing elements adapted to mechanically engage the at least one roller actuator assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least one roller actuator assembly adapted to be received by the longitudinal bore and further adapted to mechanically engage the lower projection end
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for use with first and second mold plates, comprising an upper block including an axial cavity adapted to receive an upper projection end and adapted to be affixed to a first mold plate; a projection having upper and lower projection ends; a base adapted to be secured to a second mold plate, including a longitudinal bore adapted to receive at least one roller actuator assembly and at least one biasing element therein, and a projection receiving bore adapted to receive the lower projection end; at least one roller actuator assembly adapted to mechanically engage the lower projection end; a plurality of biasing elements, each adapted to mechanically engage a roller actuator assembly and a retention plate; and a plurality of retention plates adapted to be secured to the base and retain at least one roller actuator assembly and at least one biasing element within the longitudinal bore.