Remote Supervisory Flaskless Molding Machine with Sensor Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flaskless molding machines lack a method or equipment for quantitative diagnostics to determine the operating states of hydraulic-cylinder systems and sand-filling devices, relying on human observation for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A flaskless molding machine equipped with sensors to measure fluid pressures, air pressure, and hydraulic pressures, transmitting these measurements over a communication link (such as the Internet or Intranet) for analysis and display, enabling remote monitoring of operating states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human observation is used to monitor operating states, then no additional equipment is needed, but monitoring accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human observation with automated electronic sensing and communication systems. Sensors detect operating parameters (hydraulic pressure, air pressure, temperature) and transmit data remotely, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring while significantly improving reliability and accuracy of operating state assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (sensors, transmitters, communication links) between the molding machine components and the monitoring system. These intermediaries convert physical parameters into transmittable signals and deliver them to remote monitoring locations, enabling accurate remote supervision without direct human presence at the machine.
2Productivity
If remote monitoring is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the monitoring system to serve multiple functions: sensors monitor hydraulic pressure, air pressure, and temperature; the communication system transmits data remotely; and the integrated system provides comprehensive operating state assessment. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering substantial productivity gains through improved monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If quantitative diagnostics are added to determine operating states, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human observation with objective electronic sensors that quantitatively measure operating parameters. This substitution provides precise numerical data on hydraulic pressure, air pressure, and temperature, enabling accurate diagnostic assessment of component operating states and early detection of deviations from normal conditions.
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 accurate remote monitoring of the molding machine's operating states, providing alerts for any deviations from predetermined allowable ranges, thus improving operational efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first cylinder system adapted to be actuated by variable hydraulic pressure for generating a driving force to cause the cope and drag flasks to be moved close to and away from each other
Implementation Method 2
a second cylinder system adapted to be actuated by a variable hydraulic pressure for generating a driving force to cause the cope flask, the drag flask, and the match plate that is held therebetween to be rotated in unison between a position where the cope and drag flasks and the match plate are in their vertical positions and a position where the cope and drag flasks and the match plate are in their horizontal positions
Implementation Method 3
sand-supplying means, having a source of compressed air, for blowing the molding sand through the sand supplying ports of the cope and drag flask by the compressed air such that the cope and drag flasks in the vertical positions are filled with the molding sand
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote-supervisory flaskless molding machine, wherein the fluid pressures of first fluid cylinders (122) and (123) moving a cope (102) and a drag (103) close to and apart from each other, a second fluid cylinder (110) rotating the cope, the drag, and a match plate (105), a third fluid cylinder (129) separating an upper flask from the match plate, and a fourth fluid cylinder (138) extracting the cope and the drag from the upper flask (102) and a lower flask (103) in pairs and the pressure of a compressed air in a filling mechanism (11) filing a foundry sand to the upper and lower flasks by the compressed air are measured by sensors. The measured values by these sensors are transmitted to a monitoring tool (32) by a transmitter (31) through the Internet or an intranet (33) where these values are analyzed and the analyzed results are displayed.