Molding Tool Cleaning System with Segmented Through-Flow Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing processes for fiber-based workpieces require time-consuming manual cleaning of forming tools, which disrupts production and lacks efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a support structure, molding tools designed with through-flow interiors and sieve-like mold parts, a pressing device for fluid introduction and drainage, and a closure frame for fluid-tight sealing, allowing for automated cleaning with pressure pulses and ultrasound assistance, enabling independent cleaning of each molding tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual cleaning of molding tools is performed, then cleaning can be done with simple equipment, but cleaning time is excessive and disrupts production
Solution Approach 1:
The molding tool is divided into multiple independent cleaning units, each with its own through-flow interior and mold parts. This segmentation allows parallel cleaning of multiple units simultaneously, significantly reducing total cleaning time while keeping each individual unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to be universally applicable to all molding tools in the production line. The same cleaning apparatus can clean different types of molding tools (preforming tools, pressing tools) using the same basic mechanism, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each tool type.
2Productivity
If molding tools are removed for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but production continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is prepared in advance by assembling the closure frame and closure element before the molding tools need cleaning. This preliminary preparation allows the cleaning process to start immediately when molding tools are available, minimizing disruption to production while ensuring thorough cleaning can be performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure frame and closure element act as intermediaries that enable cleaning without complete removal of molding tools from the production line. These components facilitate the connection of cleaning fluid pathways and sealing, allowing in-place or minimal-removal cleaning while maintaining production continuity.
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning fluid is introduced into molding tool interiors, then thorough cleaning of complex geometries is achieved, but fluid management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning fluid pathway is extracted and simplified by using the existing through-flow interiors of the molding tools themselves as the cleaning channels. Instead of adding complex external piping, the system utilizes the inherent flow paths within the molding tool structure, reducing fluid management complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding tools' own through-flow interiors serve the dual purpose of their original function and as cleaning fluid channels. The structure serves itself by providing built-in pathways for cleaning fluid circulation, eliminating the need for separate complex fluid management systems while ensuring thorough cleaning of all internal geometries.
4Reliability
If sealing structures are added for fluid-tight closure, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure frame and closure element are merged with the existing molding tool structure rather than being separate additional components. This integration achieves fluid-tight sealing for effective cleaning while minimizing assembly complexity by combining multiple functions into unified structures that are already part of the molding tool system.
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 system significantly reduces cleaning time, maintains production efficiency, and ensures thorough cleaning without additional equipment, while being adaptable to different contamination levels and process conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing device, by means of which a force can be exerted on the molding tool, and wherein at least one inlet connection for a cleaning and/or inlet line is provided on the at least one molding tool, via which inlet connection a cleaning fluid can be introduced into at least one interior of the molding tool
Implementation Method 2
a closure frame and a closure element are also provided, wherein the closure frame is arranged between the at least one molding tool and the closure element and together form a drain space
Implementation Method 3
The closure frame and/or the closure element has a drain opening and/or a drain connection to drain off cleaning fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning system. The cleaning system may include a support and holding structure for the cleaning unit of at least one molding tool where the at least one molding tool includes at least one interior through which a flow can pass and at least one mold part having a plurality of openings. At least one inlet connection for a (cleaning) inlet line may be provided on the at least one molding tool, via which inlet connection a cleaning fluid can be introduced into at least one interior of the molding tool and can be discharged via the plurality of openings of the mold parts. A closure frame and a closure element may be provided where the closure frame is arranged between the at least one molding tool and the closure element to form a drain space.