Pivotable Ejector Arm Mold for Residue-Free Part Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Molded parts often adhere to the mold walls, making them difficult to remove without damaging the mold surfaces, and existing mold release agents are not always effective, sometimes leaving residue on the parts.

Innovation Solution

A mold with integrated part ejector assemblies that include semi-cylindrical openings and pivotable ejector arms with tongues and handles, allowing for safe and residue-free removal of molded parts by creating harborage cavities that can be sealed after use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tools are used to remove molded parts from the mold, then part removal is facilitated, but the mold surfaces are scratched or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart removalVSAvoidmold surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The molded part is designed with self-ejection features that allow it to be removed from the mold without external tools. The part's own geometry and the mold's ejection mechanisms work together to facilitate automatic part release, eliminating the need for manual tool intervention that would damage the mold surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using tools to pull the part off the mold, the solution inverts the approach by designing the mold and part so that the part is pushed off the mold using integrated ejection mechanisms. The ejector pins and mold geometry work together to force the part away from the mold cavity, reversing the traditional removal method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If mold release agents are applied to facilitate part removal, then part removal is easier, but residue is left on the formed parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart removalVSAvoidresidue on parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The solution extracts and eliminates the need for mold release agents entirely. By designing the mold with integrated ejection mechanisms and the part with self-ejection features, the patent removes the harmful substance (release agent) from the process while still achieving easy part removal through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical method of using mold release agents is replaced with a mechanical system consisting of ejector pins, mold geometry, and part ejection features. This substitution eliminates chemical residue while providing effective part removal through purely mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If ejector arms are locked in operating position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ejection action is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejector arm positioningVSAvoidejection action

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector arm system transitions from a static locked position during molding to a dynamic movable position during ejection. The arms are securely locked in the operating position for precise molding, then can be easily pivoted to the ejection position when needed, providing both positioning accuracy and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection system is divided into multiple independent ejector arms that can be individually positioned and locked. Each arm can be independently adjusted to the precise operating position and secured with locking pins, then independently pivoted to the ejection position, allowing both precision positioning and easy ejection action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates the removal of molded parts without damaging the mold surfaces and reduces residue issues, while the harborage cavities assist in part ejection and can be sealed to prevent debris accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

The ejector arm has a first end with a tongue that extends through one of the openings in the mold and an opposite second end with a handle that extends from the mold. The mounting structure pivotally mounts the ejector arm to the mold so that the ejector arm can be pivoted between an operating position and an ejection position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS9751242B2Method of forming molded parts

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 TANK HLDG CORP

AI summary

A method of forming a molded part in a mold having an ejector assembly. The ejector assembly includes an ejector arm and mounting structure. The ejector arm has a first end with a tongue that extends partially into a cavity of the mold and an opposite second end with a handle that extends outwardly from the mold cavity. The mounting structure pivotally mounts the ejector arm to the top portion of the mold so that the ejector arm may be pivoted between an operating position and an ejection position.