Resilient Mould Ejection Element for Fast Cellulose Product Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry-forming methods for cellulose products face challenges in efficiently removing the formed products from forming moulds without the need for costly and complex mechanical devices, which are time-consuming and complicate the production process.
Innovation Solution
The use of a resilient ejection element attached to the forming mould that expands from a compressed to a non-compressed state to efficiently separate cellulose products and residual parts from the mould, allowing for a simple and efficient removal process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical removing devices are used to remove cellulose products from the forming mould, then the cellulose products can be removed, but the device becomes costly and complex in design and construction
Solution Approach 1:
The forming mould performs the removal function itself through integrated ejection elements that are part of the mould structure. The ejection elements are activated by the mould's own pressing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mechanical removing devices and making the system self-sufficient for both forming and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection function is merged with the forming mould structure by integrating ejection elements directly into the mould. This combination allows the mould to perform both forming and ejection functions, reducing the need for additional separate removal devices and simplifying the overall system
2Productivity
If mechanical removing devices are used to remove cellulose products from the forming mould, then the cellulose products can be removed, but the removal process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection elements remain in contact with the cellulose product throughout the pressing cycle, maintaining continuous pressure. When the pressing force is released, the elastic recovery of the ejection elements immediately propels the product out of the mould, eliminating idle time between forming and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection elements are pre-positioned against the cellulose product during the forming process. When the pressing force is released, the pre-compressed elastic energy is instantly converted to kinetic energy, propelling the product out without requiring additional time for activation of removal mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If the formed cellulose products are left on the forming mould after forming, then no additional removal mechanism is needed, but the products become stuck and cannot be removed efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection elements transition from a static to a dynamic state when the pressing force is released. The elastic deformation and subsequent recovery of the ejection elements creates a dynamic ejection force that actively separates the product from the mould, ensuring reliable removal without the product remaining stuck
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive force that causes the cellulose product to stick to the mould during forming is converted into a benefit during ejection. The same adhesive properties that hold the product to the mould under pressure are overcome when the elastic recovery of the ejection elements creates a stronger separating force, turning the sticking problem into an effective ejection mechanism
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 ejection element prevents the formed cellulose products from sticking to the mould, enabling fast and efficient removal without the need for mechanical devices, thus simplifying the production process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The ejection element is arranged as a resilient protruding body extending in a pressing direction of the forming mould relative to a surrounding surface of the forming mould in a non-compressed state. The ejection element is configured for separating the formed cellulose products and/or the residual parts of the cellulose blank structure from the forming mould upon expansion of the ejection element from a compressed state to the non-compressed state
Data Source
AI summary
An ejection element attached to a forming mould for forming three-dimensional cellulose products from an air-formed cellulose blank structure. The ejection element is arranged for ejecting the cellulose products and/or residual parts of the cellulose blank structure from the forming mould after forming of the cellulose products in the forming mould. The ejection element is arranged as a resilient protruding body extending in a pressing direction of the forming mould relative to a surrounding surface of the forming mould in a non-compressed state. The ejection element is configured for separating the formed cellulose products and/or the residual parts of the cellulose blank structure from the forming mould upon expansion of the ejection element from a compressed state to the non-compressed state after the forming of the cellulose products in the forming mould.