Post-Mold Retrieval Device with Dual-Channel Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current post-mold systems for conditioning molded articles after removal from a mold are limited in efficiently managing the thermal regulation of both exterior and interior surfaces, often requiring multiple devices and complex setups to accelerate cooling and maintain thermal stability.
Innovation Solution
A post-mold system comprising a retrieval device with selectively transferable receptacles and a conditioning device equipped with multiple thermal regulators and pins for both conductive and convective conditioning, allowing for efficient thermal regulation of exterior and interior surfaces of molded articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate conditioning devices are used to cool exterior and interior surfaces, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines exterior cooling and interior conditioning functions into a single integrated retrieval device. The receptacle includes both an exterior cooling channel for circulating coolant and an interior conditioning channel for delivering conditioned air, eliminating the need for separate conditioning devices while maintaining comprehensive thermal control of the molded article.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval device is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs both retrieval and dual-mode conditioning (exterior cooling and interior conditioning) simultaneously. This universal device replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing system complexity while improving overall cooling effectiveness through coordinated action of multiple channels within one device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple channels for conditioning are provided in the receptacle, then thermal regulation capability is improved, but receptacle complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into functionally independent channels: an exterior cooling channel for thermal regulation of the outer surface and an interior conditioning channel for controlling the internal thermal environment. Each channel can be optimized for its specific function while remaining integrated within the overall receptacle structure, enabling versatile thermal regulation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the receptacle are designed with different thermal characteristics tailored to local requirements. The exterior cooling channel provides rapid heat removal from the outer surface, while the interior conditioning channel provides controlled thermal environment for the article interior, with each region optimized for its specific thermal regulation needs.
3Productivity
If in-mold cooling time is reduced by external cooling, then overall molding cycle time is reduced, but thermal stability of molded article may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The molded article is immediately transferred to the retrieval device with integrated cooling and conditioning channels as soon as it leaves the mold, initiating thermal regulation before the article is fully cooled in the mold. This preliminary action reduces the time the article spends in the mold while ensuring thermal stability is maintained through continuous controlled cooling in the retrieval device.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal regulation process continues seamlessly from the mold to the retrieval device without interruption. The coordinated action of exterior cooling and interior conditioning channels ensures continuous thermal control, maintaining thermal stability while accelerating the overall cooling process and reducing molding cycle time.
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
The system enables rapid and uniform thermal conditioning of molded articles, reducing overall molding cycle time by allowing for simultaneous exterior and interior thermal management, and maintaining thermal stability post-conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular body is also configured to define a circulation channel for the circulation of cooled water, whereby the molded article may be cooled within the receptacle by means of conduction cooling
Implementation Method 2
The conditioning device includes a first thermal regulator that is configured to thermally regulate the receptacle when connected thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a post-mold system (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for conditioning a molded article (130). The post-mold system comprises a retrieval device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) having a receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) that is configured to retrieve the molded article (130) from a mold (132) and a conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520). The receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) is configured to be selectively transferable between the retrieval device (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and the conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520). The conditioning device (120, 320, 420, 520) includes a first thermal regulator (140, 240, 440) that is configured to thermally regulate the receptacle (112, 212, 312, 412, 512) when connected thereto.