Moulding Die Locking Mechanism with Cam-Operated Movable Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for moulding dies in rotary blowing machines are unreliable due to reliance on a single closing element and spring, leading to operational failures and reduced productivity when the spring fails, and are heavy, slowing down the operation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point locking mechanism with 'Γ'-shaped movable locks, a cam-operated bearing, and a support spring, where the locks are mounted on a carrier and control arm, allowing vertical reciprocation and distributed load management, ensuring closure even if a spring fails, and reducing the overall weight and mass of the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single closing element with spring is used in the locking mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the reliability decreases and productivity is reduced when the spring fails
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking elements (at least two) instead of using a single closing element. Each locking element can function independently, so if one fails, the others can still maintain the locked state, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism includes a bearing operated by a cam that can compensate for spring failure. The cam profile is designed to guide the control arm through the locking motion even when the spring cannot provide sufficient force, providing a backup method to ensure the locking action completes successfully
2Productivity
If a heavy construction is used for the locking mechanism, then the strength and stability are improved, but the operation speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm is designed to reciprocate in the vertical direction, providing dynamic motion that reduces the effective mass involved in the locking action. The cam-operated bearing enables controlled reciprocating motion that maintains strength during operation while reducing the overall weight compared to a static heavy construction
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
The mechanism provides increased operational reliability and speed by allowing the mechanism to close using the weight of the arm if a spring fails, with multiple locking points to distribute the load, ensuring continued operation even if one lock fails, and a lightweight design for faster operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is mounted to the closing element and one of the half shells
Implementation Method 2
a drive bearing, which interacts with a cam profile, so that the closing element is moving between the two end positions of the locking mechanism - open and closed
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking mechanism consisting of a carrier (5) mounted rigidly, externally and longitudinally to the first half shell (1) and a positioned against the carrier (5), on the second half shell, plate (6), having security opening, positioned sideways. Movable locks (7) are axially and movably mounted to the carrier (5). The movable locks (7) are „Г"-shaped, whereby a gripping profile is formed at the front end of each of them. Each of the movable locks (7) is also fastened axially and movably to the control arm (9), which is positioned in parallel to the carrier (5) and is capable of reciprocating in vertical direction of the moulding die. At the lower end of the control arm (9) is mounted a bearing (11), operated by a cam (12), in which cam are formed climbing and lowering zones "C". The control arm (9) is movably installed in a fixing element (13), which is rigidly fastened to the first half shell (1). A supporting spring (15) is secured at the one end to the control arm (9) and at the other end to the carrier (5).