Powder Compaction Mold Vent Passage for Gas Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional powder compaction molds face challenges in maintaining high productivity due to residual gas within the powder compact, which can lead to decreased density, dimensional variations, and potential rupture, especially when the punch speed is increased.

Innovation Solution

A powder compaction mold with a vent passage formed in the lower punch or die to forcibly discharge gas from the powder compact, allowing for efficient gas removal during the filling and compaction processes, thereby reducing residual gas and improving the quality and productivity of the powder compact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the punch speed is increased to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but residual gas remains inside the powder compact causing decreased density and dimensional variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunch speedVSAvoiddensity uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful gas from the powder compact by providing a dedicated gas discharge path (vent passage) that connects the internal cavity to the external environment. This allows gas to be removed during the compaction process, enabling high-speed punching without compromising density uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The vent passage acts as an intermediary channel between the powder compact interior and exterior, facilitating gas removal. The passage includes a gas discharge hole and external discharge port, creating a controlled pathway for gas egress that prevents gas entrapment during rapid compaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the punch speed is increased to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but the powder compact may rupture under internal gas pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunch speedVSAvoidcompact integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful factor (gas) is extracted from the system by providing a vent passage that allows gas to escape during compaction. This prevents gas pressure accumulation that would otherwise cause compact rupture, enabling reliable high-speed production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful gas pressure into a beneficial force by allowing controlled gas discharge. The gas pressure that would cause rupture is instead channeled through the vent passage, and the resulting gas flow helps compact the powder while maintaining integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If gas is discharged through the clearance section to improve gas removal, then gas discharge is promoted, but powder may be simultaneously discharged causing decreased density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas discharge efficiencyVSAvoiddensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gas discharge function is segmented from the powder containment function. The vent passage provides a dedicated gas egress route separate from the powder-holding cavity, allowing gas to be discharged without compromising powder retention. This segmentation enables simultaneous gas removal and powder density maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent passage serves as an intermediary structure that selectively allows gas passage while blocking powder. The passage design (with specific dimensions and positioning) creates a filter-like effect where gas molecules can pass through but larger powder particles are retained, enabling differential transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables the production of powder compacts with higher density and stability, allowing for increased punch speed without compromising quality, and reduces the likelihood of rupture due to internal gas pressure, thus enhancing overall productivity and product quality.

Implementation Method 1

a vent passage 6 having gas intake ports 60 that are open to a clearance section 1c formed between a lower punch 4 and a die 2, through which gas in a filling space 10 for powder surrounded by the die 2 and the lower punch 4 can be forcedly discharged to the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven gas flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3342586B1Powder molding metal mold and method for manufacturing powder compacted molding
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3342586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A powder compaction mold includes a die and upper and lower punches configured to fit into the die and is configured to compress a powder between the upper and lower punches to manufacture a powder compact. Of the members forming the powder compaction mold, at least one of two members in sliding contact with each other has therein a vent passage through which gas is vented from a filling space for the powder surrounded by the die and the lower punch to an outside of the powder compaction mold. The vent passage has a gas intake port that is open to a clearance section formed between the two members and connecting to the filling space.