Molding Tool Segmentation for Gripping Element Demolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current molding tools face challenges in facilitating the demolding of opening devices, particularly the gripping elements, which can be difficult to remove due to their design within a single mold cavity.

Innovation Solution

The molding tool is designed with multiple movable portions that define a mold cavity, allowing for easier demolding by controlling the relative positions of these portions between molding and demolding configurations, and incorporating a forming element with improved thermal conductivity and cooling channels for efficient polymer injection and cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single mold cavity is used for molding opening devices, then the structure is simple, but the demolding of gripping elements becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold structureVSAvoiddemolding process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mold is divided into multiple movable portions (first molding tool portion, second molding tool portion, third molding tool portion) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the mold cavity to be opened in stages, enabling easy removal of gripping elements while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mold portions are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the mold cavity configuration. The first and second portions move relative to each other to facilitate demolding, while the third portion remains stationary, providing a balanced solution between structural simplicity and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If cooling channels are added to the molding tool portions, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidmold structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Cooling channels are integrated specifically into the first and second movable molding tool portions that require active cooling during the molding process. The third stationary portion does not require cooling channels, allowing the system to achieve improved cooling efficiency only where necessary without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design enhances the ease of demolding opening devices, particularly the gripping elements, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the molding process.

Implementation Method 1

The first molding tool portion and the second molding tool portion each comprise a respective plurality of cooling channels configured to receive a cooling fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Each molding apparatus also comprises one respective injection device coupled to the respective molding tool for injecting a molten polymer into the respective mold cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4289587B1Molding tool, molding apparatus having a molding tool and packaging machine having a molding apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP4289587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4289587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4289587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described a molding tool (40) for molding an opening device (3) comprising a collar (6) having a pouring outlet, a lid (7) covering the pouring outlet and a gripping element (8) connected to and protruding from the lid (7). The molding tool (40) comprises a plurality of molding tool portions (41, 42, 43). At least a first molding tool portion (41) and at least a second molding tool portion (42) define a portion of a mold cavity that defines a shape of the gripping element (8) of the opening device (3) to be molded. The first molding tool portion (41) and the second molding tool portion (42) are configured such that the first molding tool portion (41) is, after molding of the opening device (3), in contact with a first gripping surface (17) of the gripping element (8) and the second molding tool portion (42) is, after molding of the opening device (3), in contact with a second gripping face (18) of the gripping element (8), the second gripping face (18) being opposed to the first gripping face (17).