Rotational Moulding Support Arm for Stable Large Mould Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational moulding machines are limited by the variability in mould dimensions due to the attachment method, leading to instability, unbalancing, and safety issues, especially when handling large moulds.
Innovation Solution
A rotational moulding machine with a support arm and mould interface system that allows moulds to be secured vertically, using two perpendicular axes of rotation, ensuring uniform mass distribution and reducing mechanical stress, enabling the use of moulds with varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mould is secured cantilevered on the rotating plate with an L-shaped arm, then the mould can be rotated and positioned, but the maximum dimensions of the mould are limited due to excessive mass and unbalancing efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into two portions: a first portion that rotates about a first axis and a second portion that protrudes parallelly to the first axis. This segmentation allows the mould to be supported at multiple locations along the second portion, distributing the mass and improving stability while accommodating various mould dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis, allowing the mould to be rotated and positioned in a different dimensional orientation. This enables the mould to be secured in a vertically superior position rather than cantilevered, reducing the moment arm and improving stability.
2Ease of operation
If the mould is secured cantilevered with an L-shaped arm, then the mould can be rotated, but strict construction and geometric constraints are required to avoid eccentricities and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is segmented into two portions with specific geometric relationships. The second portion protruding parallelly to the first axis provides multiple attachment points for the mould, reducing the need for strict geometric constraints on the mould itself while maintaining smooth rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the support arm acts as an intermediary element between the rotating first portion and the mould. It provides a stable platform for securing the mould with multiple supports, filtering out eccentricities and vibrations before they affect the rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mould is positioned cantilevered away from the rotating plate, then the mould can be rotated, but considerable efforts are required at the rotating plate and L-shaped arm
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is divided into two portions that work together to support the mould. The second portion protruding parallelly to the first axis provides additional support points, reducing the mechanical effort required at the rotating plate and L-shaped arm by distributing the load.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis, the mould can be positioned in a vertically superior location. This dimensional change reduces the moment arm and the mechanical effort required to rotate and position the mould.
Data Source
AI summary
Machine (1) for rotational moulding comprising a fixed frame (2); a support arm (3) comprising a first (4) and a second portion (5) and rotationally fixed to the fixed frame (2) to rotate about a first axis of rotation (100) substantially horizontal, wherein main development lines (300, 301) of the first (4) and second portion (5) define a main development plane (500) of the support arm (3) comprising the first axis of rotation (100); a mould interface system (6) removably coupled to the support arm (3) and structured 2024/069660 for securing a mould (20) and for rotating the mould (20) about a second axis of rotation (200) substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (100) and to the main development plane (500), wherein the mould interface system (6) comprises a first (10) and a second support (11) for the mould (20) arranged at a mutual distance parallelly to the second axis of rotation (200), wherein the first support (10) comprises a motor (18) for rotating the mould (20) and the second support (11) comprises a rotating element (19) rotatable.