Mold Support Framework with Removable Hook Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support frameworks for molds in pressure slip casting plants are inefficient and costly due to the need for manual labor and risk of damage during mold replacement, as they require forklifts and straps to handle heavy, suspended mold frames, leading to thread damage and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A support framework with removable fixing means and hook mechanisms that allow for secure suspension and easy handling of molds, enabling faster and safer replacement without the need for manual straps, using sliding carriages and rotating couplings to facilitate mold rotation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If molds are hung from carriages by means of vertically arranged screws, then the molds can be suspended and moved along guides, but the replacement process becomes slow and expensive requiring forklifts and operators, and the threads of screws and holes are damaged during removal
Solution Approach 1:
A U-shaped lifting device acts as an intermediary between the carriage and the mold frame. This lifting device includes a U-shaped body with internal threaded holes that receive bolts, and the mold frame has corresponding external threads. The lifting device is inserted into the U-shaped opening of the carriage, allowing the mold to be suspended and lifted without directly manipulating the original suspension screws, thereby preventing thread damage while enabling easy replacement with a forklift.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is segmented into distinct functional components: the original suspension screws remain fixed in the carriage, while the new lifting device with its own bolt-thread system is introduced as a separate, removable component. This segmentation allows the lifting function to be separated from the suspension function, enabling easy mold replacement without damaging the original suspension mechanism.
2Device complexity
If molds are very heavy and hung solely by screws, then the structure can be simple, but removal requires forklifts and operators making the process expensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped lifting device serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the simple suspension system and the heavy mold weight. It provides a robust lifting interface using bolts and threaded holes in the U-shaped body, allowing heavy molds to be safely handled by forklifts during replacement without complicating the overall suspension structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If screws are removed while the mold group is suspended precariously, then the mold can be replaced, but the relative motions damage the threads of screws and holes
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device with its U-shaped body and internal threaded holes acts as an intermediary that absorbs the mechanical stresses during mold replacement. The bolts engage with the threaded holes in the U-shaped body, providing a stable connection point that prevents relative motion between the mold and suspension points, thereby protecting the original suspension screw threads from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is preliminarily positioned and secured to the mold frame using bolts before the mold is detached from the carriage. This preliminary action ensures that the mold is securely supported by the lifting device's robust bolt-thread connection before any removal operations begin, preventing precarious suspension and thread damage during the replacement process.
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 solution enables faster, safer, and more cost-effective mold replacement, reducing labor requirements and preventing damage to screws and frames, while ensuring secure alignment and verticality during casting.
Implementation Method 1
the frameworks are mounted sliding on guides which extend in the longitudinal development of the structure itself
Implementation Method 2
the plant also provides thrust means able to keep the molds pressed with force against each other
Implementation Method 3
the half-frame and the respective mold must be separated from the carriages that remain connected to the guides. Given that the frames and molds are hung from the carriages by means of the screws
Data Source
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AI summary
The support framework (1) for molds (3) suitable for being used in plants (2) for the pressure slip casting of hygienic-sanitary articles comprises: - a support element (12) associable with a mold (3) for forming the articles; - an attachment bracket (13) suitable for being mounted in the plant (2); - removable fixing means (15, 34, 35) suitable for solidly joining the bracket (13) to the element (12); and - hook means (17) fixed to the element (12) and able to removably hook the element (12) to the bracket (13).