Rotating Injection Molding Press for Cable Ends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing injection molding processes for electric cables are inefficient due to manual handling and lack of continuous automation, particularly in testing and processing of cable ends, leading to reduced production speed and quality.

Innovation Solution

An automated injection molding press with rotating single-impression molds and grippers that retain both ends of the cable in fixed positions throughout the manufacturing process, allowing for continuous and simultaneous molding and testing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling and testing are used in injection molding processes, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and manufacturing precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (molding, testing, and handling) into an integrated injection molding press system. The testing apparatus is merged with the molding press, allowing both operations to occur in a unified automated workflow without manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The injection molding press is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a molding device and a testing device. The press can perform electrical resistance measurements and insulation tests directly during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate manual testing operations and enhancing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If automated testing and processing are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidautomated retaining and moving means

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means are configured to hold cable ends in predetermined positions before the molding and testing operations begin. This preliminary positioning ensures that subsequent automated operations can proceed without additional manual intervention, enabling continuous production while the complexity is contained through pre-planned fixture design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If both ends of cable are processed simultaneously in large molds, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to maintain known positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous processing capabilityVSAvoidcable end position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing system into multiple single-impression molds arranged on a rotating table, each capable of processing one cable end at a time. This segmentation allows each mold to maintain precise positioning and control, while the overall system achieves high productivity through parallel processing of multiple cable ends across different mold stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from processing both cable ends in a single large mold (two-dimensional space) to processing them in separate molds on a rotating table (adding temporal and spatial dimensions). This dimensional change allows simultaneous processing while maintaining precise position control through the rotating table's indexed positioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If manual insertion and testing are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual handling simplicityVSAvoidproduction cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-sufficient, with the injection molding press automatically performing both the molding operation and the subsequent electrical testing without requiring manual intervention. The automated retaining means and integrated testing apparatus enable the system to service itself throughout the production cycle, eliminating time losses associated with manual handling while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enables continuous, automatic production of electric cables with improved efficiency and quality by ensuring both ends are kept in known positions for precise molding and testing, reducing production time and increasing versatility in mold usage.

Implementation Method 1

inject thermoplastic material into the mould to cover part of the means of connection in correspondence to said end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change (melting and solidification): Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

after injection of the material and its solidification

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS10882230B2Injection moulding press

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 CURTI COSTR MECCANICHE SPA

AI summary

It is disclosed an injection moulding press comprising a plurality of moulds, with an injector for each mould, mounted on platform with which they can be rotated along a circumference.