Robotized Dry Ice Nozzle for Automated Mold Press Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for molding press mold segments are labor-intensive, require manual clamping and individual adaptation, are expensive, difficult to set up, and inflexible, leading to time-consuming cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a robot unit having articulated robot arms that can move freely in space, allowing the nozzle to be positioned independently of the molding press, using a camera and distance sensor for alignment and controlled by an electrical unit to adapt to different molding press configurations, eliminating the need for a separate insulation hood and enabling fully automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning system uses manual clamping or locking to the mold segments, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the workload increases and setup becomes expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components: a mobile cleaning unit with nozzle, flexible hose for dry ice supply, and control system. This segmentation allows the system to be easily positioned and operated without complex clamping mechanisms, reducing setup effort while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical clamping/locking systems with an automated mobile cleaning unit that can be freely positioned. The system uses electrical control of the mobile unit combined with flexible hose connection, eliminating the need for mechanical attachment to mold segments while maintaining reliable cleaning operation
2Reliability
If the cleaning system includes an insulation hood for each molding press, then cleaning can be performed, but the system becomes large and difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insulation function from the traditional hood structure and replaces it with a focused, mobile cleaning unit. The cleaning system operates without requiring large insulation hoods, using instead a compact nozzle assembly with flexible positioning capability, thereby reducing overall system size and improving maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system employs a dynamic mobile unit that can be freely positioned and adjusted during operation, replacing static insulation hoods. The flexible hose and mobile carriage allow adaptive positioning without requiring large fixed structures, making the system more compact and easier to handle
3Device complexity
If the nozzle is moved manually or with limited adjustment unit, then the system is simpler, but the cleaning process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual nozzle positioning with an automated mobile cleaning unit controlled by electrical signals. The unit can be quickly and precisely moved to different positions on the mold segments, dramatically increasing cleaning speed while maintaining system simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system implements dynamic positioning of the nozzle through a mobile unit that can be rapidly repositioned during operation. This dynamic capability allows the nozzle to quickly access different areas of the mold segments, significantly reducing cleaning time compared to static or manually adjusted systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If a robot unit with floor-mounted base is used, then the nozzle can be moved freely, but the mold segments must be partially dismantled for access
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bringing the robot base up to the mold segments from below (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a mobile cleaning unit that can be positioned on top of or near the open mold segments. This allows direct access without requiring disassembly, while still achieving free nozzle movement through the mobile platform
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 system allows for flexible, efficient, and automated cleaning of mold segments with reduced effort, improving access and maneuverability, and enabling precise alignment and movement of the nozzle in all six degrees of freedom, thus optimizing the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
a dry ice container (12) and a nozzle (11) connected to one another via a flexible hose (13) for generating a dry ice jet
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning system (1) for cleaning mold segments (2, 3) of a mold press (4) with a frame (5), a dry ice container (12) and a nozzle (11) connected thereto via a flexible hose (13) for forming a dry ice jet (T), wherein the nozzle (11) is operatively connected to an adjustment unit (6), wherein the nozzle (11) can be moved relative to the frame (5) by an electrical control of the adjustment unit (6).According to the invention, the nozzle (11) is arranged on a tool (10) of a robot unit (7) with several robot arms (8a, 8b, 8c), wherein the robot arms (8a, 8b, 8c) are articulated to one another and pivotable relative to one another in such a way that the nozzle (11) can be moved freely in space when the robot unit (7) is actuated, wherein a rear robot arm (8a) is rotatably connected about an axis of rotation (8e) to a robot foot (8d) of the robot unit (7), wherein the robot unit (7) is attached via the robot foot (8d) to a bracket (15) of the adjustment unit (6), wherein the bracket (15) is oriented such that the axis of rotation (8e) of the rear robot arm (8a) is oriented substantially horizontally in an x-direction to enable the adjustment unit (6) to move the robot unit (7) into a starting position between the mold segments (2, 3) of the mold press. (4) to move.