Movable Platen Rolling Support for Metal Molding Machine Tie Rod Flexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal molding machines face issues with tie rods flexing due to the weight of movable molds, leading to size and cost inefficiencies, as well as friction and accuracy problems with linear guides and wheels, which affect the smooth movement and dimensional accuracy of the movable platen.
Innovation Solution
A metal molding machine with a rolling support mechanism that includes a swingable arm with a wheel in contact with the bed and a resilient member to apply force, positioning the wheel under the combined center of gravity of the movable mold and platen, reducing the load on tie rods and allowing smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tie rods are made sufficiently thick and rigid to prevent flexing under the weight of the movable mold, then the tie rods can support the heavy movable mold, but the molding machine becomes large in size and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
A swingable arm with a wheel is introduced as an intermediary support mechanism between the movable platen and the bed. The wheel contacts the bed to provide support, while the swingable arm connects to the movable platen, distributing the load and reducing the burden on tie rods, thereby preventing excessive flexing without requiring oversized tie rods
2Stability of the object's composition
If linear guides are used to support the movable platen, then the tie rods are prevented from flexing, but the linear guides cause friction that makes it difficult for the movable platen to move smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guide mechanism is replaced with a swingable arm and wheel system. The wheel rolls on the bed, providing support through rolling contact rather than sliding contact, which eliminates the friction problems associated with linear guides while maintaining stability through the swingable arm's support structure
3Ease of operation
If wheels are mounted on the lower surface of the movable platen to bear its weight, then the movable platen can move smoothly, but a rotational moment is produced about the center of gravity of the movable mold that causes the tie rods to flex excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel is mounted on a swingable arm that can rotate about a support shaft, creating a dynamic support system. This allows the support point to adjust and the swingable arm to swing, which reduces the rotational moment about the center of gravity and prevents excessive tie rod flexing while maintaining smooth movement capability
4Length of stationary object
If the relative height of the linear guide with respect to the movable platen is too small, then the structure is compact, but the tie rods are not prevented from flexing; if the height is too large, then the tie rods flex in the opposite direction, requiring high accuracy in the linear guide height
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is changed from a fixed-height linear guide to a swingable arm system where the effective support height can vary dynamically. This eliminates the need for precise height control while still preventing tie rod flexing, as the swingable arm automatically adjusts to maintain proper support geometry
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
Prevents tie rod flexing, ensures accurate positioning, and maintains smooth movement of the movable platen, enabling the production of castings with high dimensional accuracy by distributing the weight effectively and reducing friction.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member disposed on a portion of the swingable arm that is closer to the end frame and interposed between the swingable arm and a portion of the movable platen, for applying a resilient force in a direction so as to lower the wheel against the bed
Implementation Method 2
a wheel disposed on a portion of the swingable arm that is closer to the fixed platen and held in rolling contact with the bed
Data Source
AI summary
A metal molding machine includes a fixed mold and a movable mold, a fixed platen holding the fixed mold, an end frame coupled to the fixed platen by tie rods such that the end frame is fixedly mounted on a bed, a movable platen guided by the tie rods, the movable mold being held by the movable platen, and a rolling support mechanism supporting the movable platen. The rolling support mechanism includes a swingable arm, a wheel disposed on a portion of the swingable arm that is closer to the fixed platen and held in rolling contact with the bed, and a spring disposed on a portion of the swingable arm that is closer to the end frame. The spring is interposed between the swingable arm and a portion of the movable platen, for applying a resilient force in a direction so as to lower the wheel.