Molding Device Replacement Unit for Rapid Mold Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molding apparatuses require significant time for replacing molds and associated components, leading to inefficiencies in the process.
Innovation Solution
A molding apparatus configuration where the replacement unit includes a gas supply unit and mold, which can be easily swapped with the main body unit, allowing for quick replacement of components by connecting these units to a base member, enabling efficient component replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mold is replaced to change the shape of the molding product, then the product shape can be changed, but the time required for component replacement increases because other components such as the holding section must also be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The molding apparatus is divided into a main body unit (containing the holding section and drive unit) and a replacement unit (containing the mold and gas supply unit). This segmentation allows the replacement unit to be independently swapped without replacing the entire apparatus, thus reducing replacement time while maintaining the ability to change product shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold and gas supply unit are merged into a single replacement unit that can be collectively replaced. This merging ensures that when the mold needs to be changed, the associated gas supply unit is replaced together as an integrated assembly, simplifying the replacement process and reducing the time required.
2Reliability
If multiple components (mold and holding section) are replaced together to ensure proper functioning, then the reliability of the molding process is improved, but the complexity of the replacement process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold and gas supply unit are combined into a single replacement unit that is replaced together as one assembly. This merging ensures that both components are replaced simultaneously, maintaining the reliability of the molding process while simplifying the replacement procedure into a single unified action rather than multiple separate replacement steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement unit is designed as a universal assembly that can be repeatedly installed and removed multiple times without affecting performance. This multi-functional design allows the same replacement unit structure to be used for different mold configurations, reducing the complexity of designing and managing multiple separate replacement systems.
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 configuration allows for rapid replacement of components, reducing the time required for mold changes and improving operational efficiency by unitizing components in a simple configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode which supplies electric power to a metal pipe material, thereby heating the metal pipe material
Implementation Method 2
a gas supply unit which supplies gas into a heated metal pipe material, thereby expanding the metal pipe material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A molding apparatus for molding a metal pipe includes: a gas supply unit which supplies gas into a heated metal pipe material, thereby expanding the metal pipe material; a mold which molds the metal pipe by bringing the expanded metal pipe material into contact therewith; and a drive unit which generates a driving force for moving the mold, in which a replacement unit is replaceably provided with respect to a main body unit having at least the drive unit, and the replacement unit is configured of at least the gas supply unit and the mold.