Plastic Profile Welding Device with Melt Control Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for welding plastic profile parts, such as PVC profile bars, often result in uneven heat distribution, quick cooling of melted material, and the formation of weld beads on visible surfaces, leading to weakened joints and the need for post-processing removal of these beads.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize a processing tool with a mold and a separating tool to control the flow and deformation of melted material, where the separating tool precedes the mold to separate and redirect the melted material away from visible surfaces, preventing it from adhering and allowing for a cleaner, stronger weld without post-processing removal of weld beads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If limiting elements are immovably connected to profile supports during welding, then the welding process is simple to operate, but melted material flows onto visible surfaces forming weld beads that require post-processing removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding process simplicityVSAvoidweld bead formation on visible surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting element is designed with movable parts that can dynamically adjust during the welding process. Specifically, at least one limiting element can move relative to the profile support, allowing it to adapt to the melting process and control material flow dynamically rather than being fixed immovably

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element is divided into multiple parts or zones with different functions. One portion limits the melt flow while another portion allows controlled movement, segmenting the single element into functional zones that address both material containment and movement requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If heated material is melted and pressed against profile parts, then strong welded joints are formed, but the material cools quickly and uneven heat distribution occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelded joint strengthVSAvoidheat distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A heating element with specific geometric design acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the profile parts. The heating element is configured to distribute heat more uniformly across the heating surface, preventing localized overheating and ensuring even heat distribution to the melted material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process parameters are optimized by controlling the temperature distribution on the heating surface. The heating element design and positioning are adjusted to maintain appropriate temperature gradients that prevent rapid cooling while ensuring uniform heat distribution across the welding area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If limiting elements are set tightly to control melt flow, then material flow is well-controlled, but the gap between limiting elements and heating element allows material to escape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt flow control precisionVSAvoidmaterial escape forming weld beads
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting element is designed to move dynamically during the welding process, adjusting its position relative to the heating element. This movement compensates for material expansion and melting, maintaining tight control over the melt flow path and preventing escape through gaps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element is positioned and adjusted before the welding process begins, pre-configuring the melt flow path. This preliminary positioning ensures that when heating starts, the limiting element is already in the correct position to control material flow and prevent escape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach ensures more homogeneous heat distribution, prevents material from cooling too quickly, and eliminates the need for post-processing to remove weld beads, resulting in a higher quality, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing welded joint.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting surfaces are then pressed in a joining direction against the heating surface of the heating element for the so-called adjustment and heating process, with material being melted on the connecting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

During the actual melting process, the PVC begins to flow and deform, with the melt moving inwards into the profile chambers and outwards onto the visible surfaces of the PVC profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3575068B1Device and method for connecting profiled parts
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 ROTOX BESITZ UND VERW GMBH
  • EP3575068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3575068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3575068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for connecting profile parts (12) with profile supports arranged at right angles to each other, the profile support receptacles (2) for receiving and clamping profile parts (12), wherein at least one profile part (12) and a heating surface of a heating element of the device (1) can be brought into contact with each other in order to melt the at least one profile part (12) in its welding area before joining it with the other profile part, wherein a processing tool (3) is provided which has at least one forming part (4) with which the flow and deformation of a molten material on a visible surface (22) of a profile part (12) can be controlled.In order to provide an improved device (1) for joining plastic profile parts that avoids these disadvantages and at the same time makes the escape of the molten material (24) more controllable, so that post-processing on the visible surfaces of the weld joint is unnecessary, the invention proposes that the molded part (4) is movable from a rest position in the feed direction to a working position relative to the profile support holder (2), and that at least one cutting tool (16) leading the molded part (4) in the feed direction is provided for cutting off and moving at least a part of the molten material (24).