Rotational Moulding Control Using Thermal Feedback Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rotational moulding systems face challenges in achieving economically viable large-scale production due to the complex process and many variables involved, leading to inconsistencies in product quality.

Innovation Solution

The system and method involve configuring the rotational moulding process based on predetermined thermal characteristics of raw materials, using sensors to collect feedback, and adjusting temperature-time and motion-time programs in real-time to optimize the moulding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If real-time sensor feedback and dynamic program adjustment are implemented, then manufacturing precision and quality consistency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor process parameters such as temperature, rotation speed, and material state during rotational moulding. This real-time feedback is processed by a control system that dynamically adjusts temperature-time and motion-time programs to maintain optimal processing conditions, thereby ensuring consistent product quality despite variations in raw material properties or environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from static, pre-programmed processing parameters to dynamic, real-time adjustment of processing parameters. The system adapts temperature profiles, heating rates, and rotation speeds based on actual process conditions measured by sensors, enabling the process to respond to changing conditions and maintain precision throughout production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple sensors and real-time control systems are added, then reliability of the moulding process is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors monitor critical process variables including temperature distribution, rotation speed, and material melting state. The control system uses this feedback to detect deviations from optimal processing conditions and automatically corrects them, thereby enhancing process reliability and reducing the occurrence of defects or failures in the moulding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to autonomously adjust processing parameters based on sensor feedback without requiring constant human intervention. The system self-regulates temperature profiles and motion sequences, performing quality control and process optimization automatically, which improves reliability while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If dynamic adjustment of temperature-time and motion-time programs is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time in processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess control accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic adjustment of temperature and motion parameters during the moulding cycle. Rather than following rigid pre-set programs, the system adapts processing rates and temperatures in real-time based on material response and process conditions, optimizing the balance between processing speed and product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system modifies key process parameters such as heating rate, temperature setpoints, and rotation speed during the moulding cycle based on real-time feedback. By changing parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed values, the system achieves precise control over material melting and moulding while minimizing unnecessary processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for improved control and consistency in the rotational moulding process, leading to better reproducibility and quality of moulded objects, and enables remote optimization across different locations.

Implementation Method 1

a mould heating and cooling system (20) provided for applying a temperature-time program to the mould(s) (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a mould heating and cooling system (20) provided for applying a temperature-time program to the mould(s) (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

an electrically conductive element arranged to define a winding and connectable to a high frequency variable electrical power source, so as to generate a magnetic field in the half-shells to heat them by electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4246361B1System and method for controlling a rotational moulding process
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 AMS BELGIUM
  • EP4246361B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4246361B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4246361B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Rotational moulding system configured for determining at least one suitable temperature-time program and at least one suitable motion-time program for the rotational moulding of an object by means of the rotational moulding system on the basis of a predetermined rotational moulding thermal characteristic of a raw material to be used for the rotational moulding of the object. Computer-implemented method for using the rotational moulding system.