Continuous Moulding Bench Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molding benches for manufacturing linear elements like beams are discontinuous, leading to alignment and straightness issues, complicating the production of beams of different lengths and making concrete casting difficult due to gaps between modules.
Innovation Solution
A continuous molding bench with integrated interlocking and fastening means, including complementary lateral flanges and a male/female sheath system, ensures alignment and straightness, and a bead of cold welding for seamless module connection, while the frame modules are assembled end-to-end with complementary side flanges for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molding modules are placed end to end with gaps between them, then the molding bench can be assembled from separate modules, but the alignment and straightness of the molding cavities deteriorates and gaps accumulate concrete residue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interlocking function and the alignment function into a single integrated system. The interlocking means comprises engagement protrusions and recesses that mechanically connect modules while simultaneously ensuring their alignment and straightness, eliminating the need for separate alignment mechanisms and gaps between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking means features nested structural elements where engagement protrusions fit into corresponding recesses, creating a hierarchical connection system that ensures both mechanical attachment and precise alignment of consecutive molding modules along the molding bench.
2Ease of operation
If molding modules are fixed individually to the ground in specific foundations, then each module can be independently installed, but the device complexity and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fixing points into a single unified interlocking interface. Instead of requiring separate foundations for each module, the interlocking means provides integrated mechanical connection between consecutive modules, reducing the number of individual fixing operations and simplifying the overall installation process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If gaps are left between consecutive modules, then thermal expansion and contraction can occur, but concrete residue accumulates in the gaps and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of thermal expansion into a beneficial sealed connection. The interlocking means creates a tight fit between modules that prevents concrete residue accumulation while still accommodating thermal movement through the mechanical engagement design, transforming what would be a harmful gap into a beneficial sealed joint.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the molding bench is made discontinuous with separate modules, then the structure can be more flexible, but the organization of production for beams of different lengths becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexibility of modular construction with the continuity needed for optimized production. The interlocking means enables modules to be connected end-to-end without gaps, creating a continuous molding surface that allows flexible arrangement of beams of different lengths while maintaining structural adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The bench (1) has a chassis (2) for receiving a continuous mold (3) comprising T-shaped parallel fingerprints (4) extending in a predetermined length arranged for fabricating a series of linear elements in parallel and in axial extension of each other. The continuous mold consists of molding modules (30) that are assembled end to end by interlocking units integrated and associated with a fixation unit in a manner to ensure alignment and straightness of the fingerprints along entire length of the bench.