Retractable Shaft Mechanism for Dual-Direction Mold Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing casting apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 is limited in that the upper and lower molds can only tilt in one direction due to the placement of the rotating shaft of the first sub-link member on a base frame.
Innovation Solution
The casting apparatus incorporates a retracting mechanism that allows the second rotating shaft to retract, enabling the first bearing to be placed on it, which supports the first sub-link member, allowing the upper and lower molds to tilt in both directions by using a parallel link mechanism with a second rotating shaft and a bearing that can abut less than half of the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating shaft of the first sub-link member is placed on the base frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but the upper mold and lower mold can only tilt in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotating shaft retractable rather than fixed. The rotating shaft can dynamically change its position between retracted and non-retracted states, enabling the mechanism to adapt between different operational modes (single-direction tilting vs. two-directional tilting), thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and tilting versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the rotating shaft by introducing a retracting mechanism. By controlling the extension and retraction of the rotating shaft, the system can switch between different tilting directions, transforming a fixed-parameter structure into a variable-parameter system that achieves multi-directional tilting capability
2Ease of operation
If the rotating shaft is fixed on the base frame, then the structure is stable, but the load on the drive unit increases and tilting operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retracting mechanism introduces dynamic adaptability to the rotating shaft position. During tilting operations, the rotating shaft can be retracted to optimize the mechanical advantage and reduce the force required by the drive unit, making the tilting operation easier while maintaining structural stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The retracting mechanism serves as a preparatory measure that reduces the operational load before the tilting action occurs. By positioning the rotating shaft in the retracted state beforehand, the system pre-configures itself to require less force during the subsequent tilting operation, effectively cushioning the drive unit against excessive loads
Data Source
AI summary
A casting apparatus includes an upper frame, a lower frame, an opening/closing mechanism, a first main link member, a first sub-link member, a drive unit, a base frame and a retracting mechanism. The first main link member is provided with a first rotating shaft at a central part thereof. The first sub-link member is disposed in parallel with the first main link member. The first sub-link member is provided with a first bearing at a central part thereof. The drive unit is connected to the first rotating shaft and causes the first main link member to rotate around the first rotating shaft. The base frame includes a second rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft rotatably supports the first sub-link member via the first bearing with the first bearing placed thereon. The retracting mechanism causes the second rotating shaft to retract.