Robotic Arm for Ceramic Slip Casting Mold Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of existing pressure casting machines for ceramic products, such as ceramic sanitaryware, are cumbersome and require significant manual labor for mold handling and assembly, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multiple axis manipulator, such as a robot arm, to automate the movement and orientation of mold parts and demolding of ceramic articles, reducing the size and complexity of casting machines and facilitating assembly operations by performing manipulations and movements that previously required multiple motion systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional casting machines are used to manipulate and move mould parts through multiple complex sequences, then the casting process can be completed, but the machine size and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single robotic arm is designed to perform multiple functions including moving mould parts, demoulding ceramic articles, and assembling finished products. This multi-functional robot replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full casting process capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines several previously separate operations (mould manipulation, demoulding, and assembly) into a single integrated robotic system. The robotic arm merges multiple motion functions into one device, eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each operation and reducing structural complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If manual labor and fork lift trucks are used for handling moulds and moulded articles, then the equipment cost is reduced, but labor intensity and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual labor and simple mechanical handling devices (fork lift trucks) with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm performs all handling operations automatically, substituting human physical effort and simple mechanical aids with an automated mechanical system that improves operational efficiency while reducing direct labor requirements
3Extent of automation
If multiple motion systems are built into each casting module to handle mould housing and ceramic article movements, then complete automation is achieved, but the casting machines become larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves as a universal automated system that handles all motion requirements for mould parts and ceramic articles across different casting modules. This single automated device replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated motion systems in each module, achieving complete automation while reducing overall system size and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motion and manipulation functions from individual casting modules and consolidates them into a separate robotic system. By taking out these functions and placing them in a dedicated robotic arm, the casting modules themselves can be simplified and reduced in size while maintaining full automated capability
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
This approach simplifies and reduces the cost of casting machines, enhances flexibility, and accelerates product changeover, particularly in producing multi-component ceramic products like toilet bowls, by using a single mechanism for all mold and article movements, thereby reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pressurising means adapted to apply pressure to the slip within said mould housing
Implementation Method 2
clamping means adapted to at least partially clamp the mould member(s) to form said housing
Data Source
AI summary
A mould press apparatus adapted for pressurised slip casting of a ceramic article, the apparatus comprising a supporting framework module within which a mould housing (5) comprising at least one mould member is located, said member (s) formed to be capable of pressurised moulding of said ceramic article within said housing, clamping means (8) adapted to at least partially clamp the mould member (s) to form said housing, ceramic slip introducing means adapted to introduce said slip into the mould housing, pressurising means adapted to apply pressure to the slip within said mould housing, wherein said framework module is configured to restrict movement therein of the mould housing in a generally vertical direction to prevent generally vertical demoulding of the moulded article whilst within said framework module but arranged to permit withdrawal of the at least partially clamped mould housing in a generally horizontal direction away from said framework so as to permit generally vertical demoulding of the moulded article in a location spaced away from the said framework module.