Rotational Moulding Robot Arm with Integral Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotational moulding techniques face challenges such as high energy consumption, limited automation and process control, and inefficiencies in producing objects with multiple layers, leading to rejected products and prolonged cycle times when using indirect heating and carousel systems.
Innovation Solution
A device where the mould is movably mounted on a robot arm with integral temperature control, allowing simultaneous exposure to a temperature-time program during operations, movements, and displacement, enabling independent temperature and motion control for each mould, reducing cycle time and improving reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If indirect heating of the mould is used, then the mould and peripheral components can be temperature resistant, but the total cycle time increases due to moving the mould between heating oven and processing stations
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is merged with the processing station, allowing the mould to be heated and processed at the same location without moving between separate heating oven and processing stations. This integration eliminates transport time and enables simultaneous heating and processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mould remains continuously engaged in useful actions by eliminating idle transport time between heating and processing stations. The heating device is positioned to allow immediate processing after heating, ensuring continuous productive operation throughout the cycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If carousel system with multiple stations is used, then all cycle steps can be performed, but the cycle time is determined by the slowest mould
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into multiple independent processing stations, each capable of performing specific cycle steps. Multiple moulds can be distributed across different stations, allowing parallel processing and eliminating the bottleneck effect where the slowest mould determines the overall cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different moulds to different processing stations based on their individual requirements and progress through the cycle. This dynamic allocation allows each mould to proceed at its own optimal pace while maintaining overall system productivity.
3Productivity
If multiple moulds are used in carousel system, then production capacity can increase, but the total cycle time is determined by the slowest mould
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple moulds are segmented and assigned to different processing stations, allowing them to operate independently in parallel. This prevents the slowest mould from holding up the entire production line, as each mould progresses through its own optimized cycle at different stations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different moulds can have different processing parameters and cycle times optimized for their specific requirements. The system allows parameter variation across multiple moulds simultaneously, enabling each to operate at its optimal speed without being constrained by the slowest mould in the system.
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 enhances production capacity, reduces energy consumption, and improves the reproducibility of objects with multiple layers by allowing each mould to run its own temperature and motion program independently, resulting in higher quality and fewer rejected pieces.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device (10) for heating the mould wall (1) and melting the plastic
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device (15) for cooling the mould (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
This invention relates to a device for rotational moulding. The device comprises a mould which is movably arranged, having a mould wall, surrounded by a mould cavity and a material feeding device for feeding the curable raw material into the mould cavity. The mould is movably mounted on a robot arm, associated with the mould. The movement of the mould is controlled by a control device communicating with the robot arm. The mould is provided with a device for controlling the temperature of the mould and which is integrally formed with the mould.