Molding Machine Vertical Drive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molding machines have complex configurations due to separate drive systems for vertically moving constituent elements, leading to longer cycle times for mixing and injection processes.
Innovation Solution
A molding machine design that integrates a vertically driving mechanism to move both the lid member and injection container unit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive system for the injection container unit and simplifying the configuration, while allowing for easier control and reduced cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate drive systems are provided for each vertically moving constituent element (lid member, injection container unit, stirring mechanism), then each element can be independently controlled, but the device configuration becomes complex and cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate drive systems into a single integrated vertical drive mechanism that controls the lid member, injection container unit, and stirring mechanism simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of independent drive systems from three to one, simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining the ability to control each constituent element's vertical movement independently through coordinated operation of the shared drive system.
2Ease of operation
If separate drive systems are provided for each vertically moving constituent element, then independent control is possible, but the cycle time (time from start of mixing to end of injection) becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the drive systems, the patent enables coordinated vertical movement of the lid member, injection container unit, and stirring mechanism. This coordination allows these components to move together in a synchronized manner during the mixing and injection processes, eliminating the time delays associated with sequential or independent operation of separate drive systems, thereby reducing the overall cycle time.
3Device complexity
If a single vertically driving mechanism is used to move both the lid member and injection container unit, then the configuration is simplified and cycle time is reduced, but the lid member and injection container unit must be connected during vertical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the lid member and injection container unit are connectable and disconnectable through a connector unit. This dynamic configuration allows the components to be connected when vertical movement is required (during mixing and injection operations) and disconnected when independent positioning or maintenance is needed, providing adaptability while enabling the benefits of integrated drive control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes: a connector unit configured to disconnectably connect an injection container unit and a lid member; and a vertically driving mechanism configured to cause the injection container unit and the lid member to move up and down together when the injection container unit and the lid member are connected together and to cause the lid member to move up and down when the injection container unit and the lid member are not connected together.