Powder Distribution Receptacle for Ceramic Press Mold Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for supplying and distributing powdery substances in ceramic article manufacturing fail to achieve homogeneous load in mold cavities, resulting in irregular density and homogeneity issues during compaction, affecting the quality of finished ceramic products.

Innovation Solution

A device that replaces the conventional grill with a system for progressive and gradual distribution of powdery substance through a continuous curtain flow, allowing lower compaction punches to remain in a rest position, enabling controlled and uniform loading of powdery substance into mold cells during the distribution process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional grill is used to supply powdery substance to mold cavities, then the distribution process is simple and quick, but the load homogeneity in cavities is poor resulting in irregular density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload homogeneityVSAvoiddistribution system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is segmented into multiple recesses (first recess, second recess, third recess) that are positioned at different heights and locations. Each recess receives powdery substance from a separate hopper, allowing independent control of material flow to different mold cavity zones. This segmentation enables precise control of load distribution and achieves homogeneous loading in previously difficult-to-fill cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the distribution system by positioning recesses at different heights (first recess at highest level, second recess at intermediate level, third recess at lowest level). This multi-level vertical arrangement allows gravitationally-driven material flow from upper to lower regions, enabling homogeneous distribution across the entire mold matrix including previously inaccessible cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If powdery substance is deposited in a single phase on the entire surface, then the process is fast, but the density homogeneity is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedensity homogeneityVSAvoiddistribution speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The deposition process is segmented into multiple phases corresponding to the multiple recesses. Each recess deposits material into specific mold cavities in a controlled sequence, ensuring that each cavity receives the appropriate amount of powdery substance. This segmented approach maintains high productivity while achieving uniform density across all cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses vertical positioning of recesses at different heights to control the timing and distribution of material flow. Material flows gravitationally from upper recesses to lower recesses and cavities, creating a controlled cascading deposition sequence that ensures homogeneous density while maintaining efficient processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the grill is completely supported and flushed with the matrix surface, then the structure is simple, but it cannot achieve progressive distribution to all cavities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidrecess structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a uniform grill structure, the invention introduces localized recesses at specific positions and heights within the distribution device. Each recess is strategically positioned to target specific mold cavities, providing localized material deposition control. This local quality approach enables progressive distribution to all cavities while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 a more uniform and controlled density of the powdery substance, leading to improved compaction results and enhanced quality of ceramic articles.

Implementation Method 1

whose compaction punch bottom is in a raised position and flush with the surface of the female mold. Once said position has been reached by the grill and its powdery substance load, the lower compacting punch descends allowing the entry of the powdery substance by gravity into the corresponding cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3733369B1Device for supplying at least one powdery substance, in particular for presses for forming ceramic parts
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 MACER
  • EP3733369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733369B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3733369B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for supplying at least one powdery substance, particularly for presses for shaping ceramic parts, with means for gradually unloading or supplying the powdery substances into the cavities of the lower female mould (19) which comprises an outer peripheral rack (1) or frame for supporting one or more receptacles (2) which have a substantially rectangular upper mouth (4), a lower outlet (5) with a surface area smaller than that of the mouth (4), an inverted frustoconical shape, and a height greater than the thickness or height of the rack (1). Said receptacle (2) or receptacles can be removable and movable horizontally to be placed at different positions inside the rack (1), which includes attachment plates (6) that can be moved and secured in different positions for that purpose. And a procedure for the operation of said device in a press for forming ceramic parts.