Moulding Apparatus for Adding Link Elements to Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and apparatus for adding link elements to chain mail or mesh are cumbersome and complex, particularly when trying to replace or add links to existing meshes, as they require large, bulky machinery and are designed for producing multiple links at once, making it difficult to accommodate pre-formed links already attached to the mesh.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows for the addition of a new link element to three or more formed link elements or a mesh by molding a single link element through existing link elements, using a moulding apparatus with movable sections to create a moulding cavity that can accommodate multiple linkage points, enabling easy inclusion of new links and providing flexibility in orientation and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large, bulky machinery is used to add link elements to mesh, then high volume production is achieved, but the apparatus cannot accommodate pre-formed links already attached to the mesh
Solution Approach 1:
The moulding apparatus is divided into movable sections that can be positioned and reconfigured to work on individual link elements within the mesh without requiring the entire mesh to be processed at once. This segmentation allows the apparatus to handle pre-formed links while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs movable sections that can dynamically adjust their position and configuration to accommodate different link arrangements in the mesh. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to pre-formed links while maintaining high volume production throughput.
2Productivity
If apparatus designed for moulding multiple links at once is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single complex apparatus for moulding multiple links simultaneously, the system uses multiple simpler movable sections that can be independently positioned. Each section handles individual link moulding operations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining productivity through parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sections are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations (moulding, positioning, releasing) on different link elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex components for each operation, simplifying the overall apparatus design.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-formed links are supplied detached from the mesh, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the links cannot be accommodated by the mould sections once attached to the mesh
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sections can dynamically reposition themselves to access and work on links at various stages of attachment to the mesh. This dynamic positioning capability allows the apparatus to accommodate both detached pre-formed links and links already attached to the mesh, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adding a new link element to three or more formed link elements including the steps of: providing three or more formed link elements; and adding a new link element to the formed link elements by moulding a single link element through at least three of the formed link elements.