Plasticizing Unit with Integrated Filter for Recycled Plastics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasticizing units require high energy and effort for purifying contaminated plastics, particularly recycled materials, due to separate purification steps and processes like degassing and filtration, which are inefficient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A plasticizing unit with an axially movable filter device integrated in the injection cylinder, allowing direct filtration of contaminated plasticized material using the plasticizing screw as an actuator, eliminating the need for separate purification and enabling compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate purification processes (degassing and filtration) are used for contaminated recycled plastics, then the material can be purified, but the energy consumption and process complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtration function with the injection cylinder by integrating a filter device directly into the injection cylinder. The filter device includes a filter element arranged in the injection cylinder, allowing contaminated plasticized material to be filtered directly during the injection process. This eliminates the need for separate degassing and filtration processes, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining purification quality.
2Reliability
If separate purification processes are used for contaminated plastics, then the material can be cleaned, but the process complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is integrated into the injection cylinder, merging the filtration function with the existing injection process. The filter element is arranged within the injection cylinder, and the contaminated plasticized material flows through the filter element directly in the injection cylinder. This integration eliminates the need for separate purification equipment and processes, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection cylinder serves multiple functions: it not only performs the injection function but also houses the filter device for purification. The filter device includes a filter element that can be integrated into the injection cylinder structure, allowing the same component to perform both injection and filtration functions simultaneously.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If filter devices are integrated into the injection cylinder, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device is nested within the injection cylinder structure. The filter element is arranged inside the injection cylinder, utilizing the existing space and structure. This nesting approach allows the filter device to be integrated without requiring separate external purification equipment, reducing energy consumption while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.
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 reduces energy consumption and simplifies the process by integrating filtration directly into the plasticizing step, minimizing production costs and environmental impact while maintaining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a filter device (6) for filtering plasticized material, in particular plasticized plastic, is provided, which is or can be arranged axially movable in the injection cylinder (3)
Implementation Method 2
the plasticized material is plasticized due to the shear movement, shear heat and optionally externally supplied heat energy
Data Source
AI summary
A plasticizing unit for a molding machine includes an injection cylinder and an axially movable plasticizing screw arranged in the injection cylinder. A filter device for filtering plasticized material, in particular plasticized plastic, is provided, and the filter device is or can be arranged axially movable in the injection cylinder.