Mould Applicator with Levelling Means for Uniform Particulate Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic moulding processes are cumbersome and slow due to the need for a former to create skins in moulds, and the application of particulate material is inefficient, requiring multiple steps and tools.
Innovation Solution
A device with a container and levelling mechanism that allows controlled, even application of particulate material to a mould surface, eliminating the need for a former and enabling simultaneous coating of the base and side walls in a single step, using a container with a tapered internal volume and adjustable dispensing slot, and a planar levelling member that moves across the mould.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a former is used to create skins in moulds, then the moulding process can be performed, but the procedure becomes complicated, cumbersome and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the former from the moulding process entirely. Instead of using a former to create skins and then removing it, the patent applies particulate material directly to the mould surface using a hopper and levelling means, eliminating the complex multi-step procedure involving former insertion, skin formation, and former removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs the skin formation action in advance by applying and levelling the particulate material directly onto the mould surface before the moulding cycle begins. The levelling means creates a uniform skin layer on the mould base and sides in a single preparatory step, rather than forming skins during the moulding process itself.
2Quantity of substance
If particulate material is applied to mould surface, then material can be dispensed, but achieving even layer and coating side walls simultaneously is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a levelling means as an intermediary component between the hopper and the mould surface. This levelling means, which extends beyond the hopper opening, actively shapes and distributes the particulate material as it exits, ensuring uniform layer thickness and simultaneous coating of both the mould base and side walls through mechanical levelling action.
3Area of stationary object
If opening extends beyond levelling means, then material can be pushed to sides, but controlling material flow becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the opening dimension variable by providing adjustable opening means that can change the size and position of the dispensing opening. This dynamic adjustment capability allows operators to optimize material flow control for different material types and desired layer thicknesses, while the fixed levelling means ensures consistent distribution to the mould sides and base.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
A device (10) for applying particulate material onto a surface of a mould is described. The device (10) comprises a container (12) for holding particulate material and defining an opening (18) for releasing the material. A closure device (20) is operable to open and close the opening (18). A levelling means (24) projects from the container (12) adjacent to the opening (18) and is operable to level the surface of the material dispensed. The levelling means (24) is shorter than the length of the opening (18) so that the opening extends beyond each end of the levelling means (24). In this way, an even layer of particulate material can be dispensed in one pass covering the bass of a mould cavity and opposed side walls of the cavity.