Moulding Machine Adjustable Jaw Mechanism for Variable Die Thickness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moulding machines are limited to using dies of a single predetermined thickness, requiring labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming changes when different die sizes are needed, which hinders the production of hollow products with varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
The development of a moulding machine with adjustable housings and an automatic adjustment device that allows for in-line size adjustment during the translation of supports, enabling the use of dies with different thicknesses by sliding and locking mechanisms and cam systems to adjust the distance between jaw means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If housings are fixed with predetermined thickness, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different die sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is transformed from a fixed, static design to a dynamic, adjustable one. The jaw means are made movable relative to each other through the column means and slide seat means, allowing the housing to adapt to different die thicknesses dynamically during operation rather than requiring multiple fixed housing types
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only contains the die but also provides an adjustment mechanism that allows the same housing to accommodate dies of various thicknesses. The adjustable jaw means enable a single housing to replace multiple fixed housings of different sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If housing substitutions are performed to change die thickness, then die size adaptability is achieved, but production time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing provides self-adjustment capability through its built-in adjustment device. The operator can change the jaw position and lock it in place using the slide seat means and block means, allowing the housing to serve itself in adapting to different die sizes without requiring complete housing substitutions
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device allows preliminary positioning of the jaw means before the die is inserted or removed. The block means can be positioned in advance to lock the column means at the required distance, preparing the housing for the specific die thickness before the actual die change occurs
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual housing changes are performed, then die thickness adaptability is achieved, but labor intensity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the housing substitution process and integrated into the housing itself. The adjustment device with its slide seat means, column means, and block means allows the housing to adjust its own dimensions without requiring external housing changes, simplifying the operation to an in-house adjustment procedure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A moulding machine comprises an adjustment device (1) assigned to allow the use of dies of different thicknesses (a, b). The machine has a conveyor for a plurality of supports (3), each of them being equipped with pliers means provided with at least one first jaw means (13) and one second jaw means (15), both nearly flat or defining respective planes, mutually facing each other, and parallel to each other, and assigned to match with, and clamp, corresponding main faces (17, 19) of at least one die means (21) having a predetermined height or thickness (a, b). Each support (3) comprises at least: - a slide seat means (31) fixed to the support (3) itself and assigned to the axial sliding of a respective column means (33) which is rectilinear and perpendicular to the plane of a corresponding second jaw means (15) to which its first end (35) is fixed; - a reversible block means (37) fixed to the slide seat means (31) and engaged by a portion of the column means (33) to lock or unlock, by means of its unlocking drive (39), the sliding of such column means (33) along the slide seat means (31). The first jaw means (13) is fixed to the support (3), and the second end (43) of the column means (33), opposed to its first end (35), protrudes outside from the slide seat means (31) and the block means (37).