Rigid Cellulose Forming Unit With Pin-Based Product Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry-forming techniques for manufacturing rigid cellulose products face challenges in reliably removing the final product from the moulding tool without damaging it or the out-feed device, particularly when the product becomes misaligned, leading to unsatisfactory removal or partial tearing, and the suction device may adhere to the mould surface, causing discolouration and tool damage.

Innovation Solution

A product forming unit with a moulding tool featuring a retaining means, including an axially extending pin connected to the first mould part and a bore in the second mould part, ensures the pressed cellulose product remains aligned and secured during opening, using a bulging body and thinner waist to maintain contact with the first mould part, preventing damage and facilitating easy removal by an out-feed device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a suction device is used to remove the pressed cellulose product from the moulding tool, then the product can be removed from the mould, but the product may become misaligned and the suction device may adhere to the mould surface causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct removalVSAvoidproduct alignment and mould integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pin with bulging body is inserted into the bore during the pressing operation to preliminarily secure the cellulose product's position. This preliminary action ensures the product remains aligned with the first mould part when the mould opens, preventing misalignment issues during subsequent removal operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pin with bulging body acts as an intermediary element between the first mould part and the cellulose product. It maintains contact and alignment during the opening phase, mediating the transition from pressed state to removal state without requiring direct interaction between the suction device and the product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the moulding tool is opened after pressing, then the product can be accessed for removal, but the product may become misaligned and cause removal failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct accessVSAvoidproduct alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means (pin with bulging body in bore) is engaged during the pressing operation to preliminarily establish and maintain the product's correct position. This ensures that when the mould opens, the product is already secured in the proper alignment, eliminating misalignment problems during access and removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pin features a localized bulging body that provides targeted retention at a specific location (in the bore of the second mould part). This local quality ensures precise positioning of the cellulose product without affecting other areas, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling easy access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4640392A1Product forming unit for dry manufacturing rigid cellulose products
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 YANGI AB
  • EP4640392A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4640392A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4640392A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a product forming unit for dry manufacturing rigid cellulose products () having essentially non-flat general shape from a cellulose blank. The product forming unit comprising a moulding tool having a first mould part (15) and a second mould part (16), wherein at least one of the first mould part (15) and the second mould part (16) is displaceable in the axial direction in relation to the other in order to press the cellulose blank (10) therebetween into final shape by applying a predetermined pressure P in the axial direction of the moulding tool, wherein the first mould part (15) comprises a scrap press-surface (23), and wherein the second mould part (16) comprises a scrap press-surface (19), said scrap press-surface (23) of the first mould part (15) being arranged opposite the scrap press-surface (19) of the second mould part (16). The moulding tool further comprises a retaining means configured to retain the pressed cellulose product (2) in contact with the first mould part (15) after the pressing of the cellulose product (2), the retaining means comprising an axially extending pin (28) connected to the scrap press-surface (23) of the first mould part (15) and an axially extending bore (29) arranged in the scrap press-surface (19) of the second mould part (16), wherein said pin (28) is configured to enter into said bore (29) during pressing of the cellulose product (2), and wherein said pin (28) comprises a bulging body (30) and a thinner waist (31) located between the bulging body (30) and the scrap press-surface (23) of the first mould part (15).