Preform Cooling Fetch Apparatus with Dual-Stage Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional preform injection molding processes face delays and yield rate issues due to prolonged cooling times, uneven cooling effects, and deformation of preforms during demolding, while existing cooling devices occupy large space and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cooling fetch apparatus with a first and second fetch mechanism, where the first mechanism performs a first stage of cooling on the external brink of preforms, and the second mechanism continues cooling on both external and internal brinks, allowing for multi-stage cooling and efficient transfer of preforms for further cooling, reducing the volume and weight of the first mechanism for faster operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If preforms are cooled in the mold for a predetermined cooling time, then the shape of preforms is prevented from deforming due to collisions, but the next injection molding time is delayed and yield rate is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) initial cooling within the mold cavity during injection molding, and (2) secondary cooling after demolding using a dedicated cooling device. This segmentation allows the mold to be freed for the next injection cycle while preforms continue cooling separately, resolving the conflict between shape integrity and production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device is prepared in advance with cooling channels and coolant circulation systems ready to immediately cool preforms after demolding. This preliminary preparation ensures continuous cooling without interruption, maintaining shape integrity while eliminating delays in the injection molding cycle.
2Temperature
If air nozzles are extended into preforms for air cooling, then cooling effect at internal brink is improved, but cool air flows disorderly causing whirl phenomenon and uneven cooling of internal wall
Solution Approach 1:
A coolant (liquid or gas) is introduced as an intermediary medium through cooling channels formed in or around the preform, rather than directly blowing air into the preform cavity. This intermediary approach ensures uniform heat transfer from the preform interior to the cooling medium, eliminating the whirl phenomenon while maintaining effective internal brink cooling.
3Temperature
If movable mold fetches preforms to cooling position and couples cooling device, then cooling can be performed outside mold, but volume and space occupation is very large
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is merged with the injection molding machine structure, integrating cooling channels directly into the mold assembly or positioning the cooling device within the existing machine footprint. This integration eliminates the need for separate external cooling equipment, reducing space occupation while maintaining effective preform cooling capability.
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 separates injection molding from cooling, enhances yield rates through multi-stage cooling, prevents deformation, reduces space and weight, and improves manufacturing efficiency by allowing continuous injection molding without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
cool air is blown from each air nozzle 5 into each preform 3
Implementation Method 2
cooling water circulation through cooling channels
Implementation Method 3
cooling water circulation through cooling channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a cooling fetch apparatus of performs, and the apparatus includes: a first fetch mechanism, moved back and forth, for fetching each perform formed in a mold of an injection molding machine from the mold; a second fetch mechanism, moved back and forth, for fetching each preform on the first fetch mechanism. After the second fetch mechanism fetches a predetermined quantity of performs, the performs on second fetch mechanism are unloaded sequentially, such that the injection molding process and the cooling process of the performs are separated. The timing of fetching each perform on the second fetch mechanism is controlled for assuring a good cooling effect of each preform.