Profiled Element Production with Non-Stick Feeding Duct

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing profiled elements with filled longitudinal cavities, such as those using polyurethane, are limited by requiring multiple processing steps and are not suitable for producing elements with varied shapes and hardnesses, especially when trying to fill profiles off-line or using semifinished bands, which restricts their applicability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and plant that involves pressing a first material through a forming die to create a profiled element with a longitudinal cavity and feeding a second material, preferably in a fluid state, such as polyurethane-based materials, directly into the die to fill the cavity, using a non-stick polymeric feeding duct to prevent clogging, allowing for continuous production and varying material properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If polyurethane resin is poured on open plates that are subsequently closed by forming, then profiled elements with filled cavities can be produced, but the process requires multiple processing steps and limits production to elements that can be profiled and closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling qualityVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the forming die and feeding cavity into a single integrated unit. The forming die includes an accommodation duct that receives the feeding duct, allowing the second material to be fed directly into the cavity during the extrusion process. This merging eliminates the need for separate pouring and closing steps, reducing processing complexity while maintaining filling quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The accommodation duct is pre-configured within the forming die to receive the feeding duct. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the second material can be fed directly into the cavity during extrusion, eliminating the need for subsequent closing operations and reducing the number of processing steps required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If injection is carried out off-line breaking continuity, then filled profiled elements can be produced, but production continuity is broken and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling qualityVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous feeding of the second material through the feeding duct directly into the forming die during the extrusion process. This continuous action eliminates interruptions in production, allowing filled profiled elements to be produced continuously on the extrusion line without breaking continuity or requiring off-line injection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If semifinished bands are used requiring additional processing steps, then profiled elements can be produced, but production efficiency is reduced and applicability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape varietyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The forming die is segmented into distinct functional zones: the forming cavity for shaping the profiled element, the accommodation duct for receiving the feeding duct, and the feeding cavity for material introduction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling continuous production of varied shapes without requiring pre-formed semifinished bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated forming die with accommodation duct serves multiple functions: it forms the profiled element, receives the feeding duct, and enables direct filling of the cavity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing steps and semifinished bands, allowing continuous production of diverse profile shapes with filled cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If feeding duct is used to supply second material, then continuous production is enabled, but clogging may occur preventing uninterrupted operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidfeeding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the second material by maintaining it in a fluid state during feeding. This parameter change (maintaining fluidity) prevents clogging in the feeding duct while allowing continuous supply of material to the forming die, ensuring both production continuity and feeding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the production of profiled elements with high rigidity, elasticity, and adaptability in shape and hardness, suitable for diverse applications, including gaskets, insulating materials, and lightweight profiles, without the need for additional rigidity elements, and allows for continuous production without machine shutdown.

Implementation Method 1

The feeder (31) comprises a feeding duct (40) made of non-stick polymeric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-stick property: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Data Source

PatentEP2695719B1Method for the production of a profiled element and related plant
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 ROVERPLASTIK
  • EP2695719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2695719B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method an plant for the production of a profiled element (10) comprising a step of pressing at least one first material (20) through a forming die (2) in order to obtain a profiled element (11) which has at least one longitudinal cavity (12), a step being provided of feeding, into the forming die (2), a second material (21) in the fluid state in order to fill the longitudinal cavity (12). The feeding duct (40) of the second material is comprises a non-sticking polymeric materal.