Movable Centering Elements for Elongated Component Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection molding processes face challenges in reliably centering elongated components within a molding tool cavity due to deformation under injection pressure, and the use of retaining pins or slide elements complicates the construction and fails to accurately position pliable components.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a molding tool with centering elements that are movable relative to the tool, driven by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical drive device, allowing controlled movement to guide elongated components into the cavity, synchronized with the opening and closing of needle valve nozzles for precise positioning and molding compound injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If retaining pins or slide elements are used to center elongated components in the cavity, then the components can be positioned, but the construction of the molding tool becomes considerably more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable centering elements that can dynamically adjust their position during the molding process. These centering elements are capable of moving between different positions to accommodate components of varying lengths and geometries, thereby providing precise positioning without requiring a complex fixed structure. The dynamic nature of these elements allows them to adapt to different molding scenarios, simplifying the overall tool construction while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional centering elements are added to the molding tool, then component positioning improves, but the molding tool construction becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The centering elements in the patent are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as positioning devices and as structural components of the molding tool. These elements can accommodate components of different lengths and geometries through their movable design, eliminating the need for multiple specialized centering devices. This universal approach reduces the overall complexity and cost of the molding tool while achieving reliable component centering.
3Productivity
If pliable components are positioned in the cavity, then shaping can proceed, but the components cannot be reliably centered due to deformation under injection pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary centering action by positioning the pliable components using movable centering elements before the injection pressure is applied. These centering elements secure the components in the correct position during the early stages of the molding process, preventing deformation when the injection pressure acts on them. This preliminary positioning ensures that even pliable components maintain their intended geometry throughout the shaping process.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective centering of elongated components within the molding tool cavity, reducing deformation and simplifying the construction of the molding tool, while allowing for the production of components with complex geometries and varying diameters or cross-sections.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one drive device may drive the at least one centering element hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically
Implementation Method 2
The at least one drive device may drive the at least one centering element hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically
Implementation Method 3
The at least one drive device may drive the at least one centering element hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically
Implementation Method 4
The molding compound may be supplied essentially in liquid form and then solidify to form an object or a component casing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for shaping an elongated component (44), comprising:a shaping tool (12) that defines multiple molding points and delimits at least one cavity (20) in which the molding compound (18) introduced via the molding points can be received,at least one centering element (26) which is designed to receive an elongated component (22, 24) and guide same into the at least one cavity (20), wherein the at least one centering element (26) can be moved relative to the molding tool (12), andat least one drive device, by means of which the at least one centering element (26) can be driven so as to move relative to the molding tool (12).