Non-Circular Guide Ring Lock for Injection Mold Core Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injection molding systems face challenges in quickly and cost-efficiently installing, removing, and maintaining collapsible or expandable core assemblies, which are essential for efficient production and part release.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a guide ring assembly featuring a non-circular periphery is used to prevent rotational movement of the core assembly, combined with a dovetail type collapsible core assembly and sliding segments, allowing for secure positioning and easy assembly/disassembly, utilizing bolts or fasteners for securement and accommodating different part movements through varying groove angles and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional core assemblies are used with movable mold plates, then the core assembly can move between injection molding and article release steps, but the installation, removal, and maintenance of the core assembly is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The core assembly is divided into multiple collapsible segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the core to change its outer diameter by collapsing or expanding, enabling quick release of molded articles and facilitating faster installation and removal of the core assembly from the mold.
Solution Approach 2:
The core assembly transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change its configuration. The collapsible segments are designed to move between expanded and collapsed states, allowing the core to adapt its shape and size during the molding process and enabling rapid maintenance operations.
2Ease of operation
If collapsible core assemblies are used, then article release is improved, but the core assembly may rotate or twist during operation affecting positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ring assembly incorporates a non-circular periphery with asymmetric features such as flat surfaces or grooves that mate with corresponding features on the core assembly. This asymmetric design prevents rotational movement of the core by providing a unique orientation, ensuring the core remains properly positioned while still allowing it to collapse and expand for article release.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the core assembly is secured firmly to prevent movement, then positioning stability is improved, but the installation and removal of the core assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide ring assembly is pre-configured with alignment features such as non-circular peripheries, grooves, and mating surfaces that automatically guide and position the core assembly during installation. These preliminary alignment features ensure the core is correctly positioned before final securing, making installation straightforward while maintaining operational stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection molding tool having a core assembly with a shaft that is lockably or securedly mounted within a bore of a plate or within another suitable lock element. Rotational or other suitable movement of the lock results in or translates into axial movement of and/or axial forces apply to the core assembly. A guide ring assembly has a center ring with a non-circular bore and a correspondingly shaped core assembly, to prevent rotational movement of the core assembly with respect to the guide ring assembly.