Motorized Mold Closing Element Adjustment for Glass Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mold closing element adjustment in forming machines for hollow glass articles is manual, time-consuming, costly, and hazardous, requiring multiple operators and face molds, leading to increased downtime and storage costs.
Innovation Solution
A handling unit with a drive shaft, slide, and motorized transmission system allows precise, safe, and quick adjustment of mold closing elements using motorized control and memory-based positioning, eliminating the need for face molds and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment with face molds is used, then the closing elements can be positioned, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motorized system. The handling unit includes a motorized drive shaft that automatically positions the closing elements, eliminating the need for manual operation with face molds. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining positioning capability while dramatically reducing adjustment time and operator requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The handling unit enables self-service positioning of closing elements through automated control. The motorized system can independently adjust the closing elements to the correct position based on pre-stored mold height data, without requiring operators to manually intervene. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining accurate positioning
2Reliability
If face molds are used for adjustment, then the closing elements are protected from damage, but storage and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the face molds from the system by implementing a motorized handling unit that directly positions the closing elements. The handling unit includes positioning mechanisms that prevent damage to closing elements during adjustment, making the protective face molds unnecessary. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the harmful quantity of face molds while maintaining protection through the automated positioning system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive and numerous face molds with a single durable motorized handling unit. The handling unit can be reused indefinitely and provides precise positioning without requiring multiple disposable or temporary face molds. This substitution resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for large quantities of face molds while maintaining reliable protection of closing elements
3Reliability
If multiple operators are used for adjustment, then the closing elements can be safely positioned, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human operator system with an automated motorized handling unit. The handling unit includes control systems that safely position closing elements without requiring multiple operators to coordinate manually. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining safe positioning through automated control while eliminating the complexity of coordinating multiple operators
Solution Approach 2:
The handling unit performs the positioning operation independently without human intervention. The motorized system automatically adjusts closing elements to the correct position based on pre-stored mold height data, eliminating the need for multiple operators to work together. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable safe positioning while reducing operational complexity to a single automated system
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is performed, then flexibility in handling different molds is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic motorized handling unit that can automatically adapt to different mold types. The system includes memory functions that store height data for various mold types, allowing the handling unit to dynamically adjust its positioning parameters. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining flexibility in handling different molds while dramatically increasing productivity through automated rapid adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing mold height data in the system memory before actual production. When a mold change occurs, the handling unit automatically retrieves the stored data and positions the closing elements accordingly without requiring manual measurement or adjustment. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability to different molds while eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment procedures, thereby increasing productivity
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
Enables rapid, precise, and safe adjustment of mold closing elements, minimizing operator effort, reducing downtime, and eliminating the need for face molds, thus lowering costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a slide (20) coupled to said shaft (16) so as to be slidable along said shaft (16) in both directions
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In a machine (1) for forming glass articles, at least one forming mold (3) (5) is at least partially closed at the top by means of a dedicated closing element (11) (45), the height position of which is continuously adjusted according to the height of the mold (3) (5) by means of a mechanical transmission (30) that is motorized or manually operable from the outside.