Reusable Mould Membrane for Tight-Fit Encapsulation Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moulding techniques face challenges in achieving a tight, consistent fit around target objects using flexible materials, which are often labor-intensive and difficult to remove without damaging the encapsulated substance, and typically require manual handling and result in discarded materials.
Innovation Solution
A reusable mould membrane with a cylindrical body made of resiliently deformable material and manipulation structures that can be controlled by mechanical force to adjust the space within the membrane, allowing for a tight fit around the target object and efficient encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If flexible material is used to achieve a tight fit around the target object, then the mould can conform to the object shape, but the deployment becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mould membrane is designed as a resiliently deformable structure that can dynamically change its shape and volume. By applying mechanical force to manipulation structures, the membrane transitions between expanded and contracted states, enabling automated deployment and removal while maintaining tight fit during encapsulation
Solution Approach 2:
The mould membrane is divided into multiple manipulation structures distributed across its surface. Each manipulation structure can be independently controlled to deform the membrane locally, allowing precise control over the overall shape and fit without requiring manual manipulation of the entire membrane
2Shape
If flexible material is used to achieve a tight fit, then the mould can match the object shape, but extraction becomes difficult without damaging the encapsulated substance
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable membrane can be mechanically expanded to increase the space within, creating clearance between the membrane and the encapsulated target object. This dynamic expansion capability enables easy extraction of the mould without disturbing the cured substance, while maintaining tight fit during the encapsulation process
Solution Approach 2:
The volume and shape parameters of the membrane are changed by applying mechanical force to manipulation structures. By increasing the internal space through controlled deformation, the membrane transitions from a tight-fit state during encapsulation to an expanded state for easy removal
3Ease of operation
If manual handling is used for deployment, then the flexible material can be positioned, but the process requires large amounts of time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical manipulation is replaced by a controlled system where mechanical force is applied to manipulation structures through automated means. This substitution maintains the positioning capability while dramatically reducing labor requirements and process time
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure includes built-in manipulation structures that enable self-deployment and self-positioning when mechanical force is applied. The system is designed to be manipulated into its functional shape without requiring external manual handling, improving both speed and automation potential
4Shape
If the inner diameter of the membrane body is less than the outer diameter of the target object, then the membrane can form a tight fit, but the target object cannot be inserted without deforming the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing temporary expansion during insertion and automatic return to its original tight-fit configuration once the target object is in place. This dynamic behavior simplifies the insertion process while ensuring precise fit
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation structures are positioned and configured in advance to control the deformation sequence. By pre-positioning these structures, the membrane deforms in a controlled manner during insertion, reducing complexity and ensuring proper alignment
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 mould membrane provides a consistent and efficient encapsulation process, reducing labor and material waste, enabling automated control for precise fitting and easy removal without disturbing the encapsulated substance, and allowing for multiple uses.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical membrane body comprising a resiliently deformable material
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of manipulation structures configured to be manipulated by application of mechanical force to control the space within the membrane body by controlling the amount of deformation of the membrane body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There is disclosed a reusable mould membrane (100) for forming an outer mould during a process to encapsulate a target object (102) in a substance, the mould membrane comprising: a cylindrical membrane body (104) comprising a resiliently deformable material, wherein an inner diameter (202) of the cylindrical membrane body (104) is less than an outer diameter (302) of the target object provided on an outer surface (106) of a cylindrical carrier object (108), when the membrane body (104) is in an un-deformed state; and a plurality of manipulation structures (110, 910) provided on an outer part (112) of the membrane body (104), each of the plurality of manipulation structures (110) configured to be manipulated by application of mechanical force to control the space within the membrane body (104) by controlling the amount of deformation of the membrane body (104). There is also disclosed a method for use during a process to encapsulate a target object in a substance.