Segmented Mold Design for Flexible Panel Edging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing borders for large-area panels, such as vehicle roof windows, are complex and lack flexibility in design and cost-effectiveness, as they often require multiple components and precise alignment of mold parts to form a border around the panel.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a mold with three separate mold bodies and a material dispenser allows for the formation of a border by introducing material through an access channel, with a closure element to seal the space, enabling easy modification of the border shape and precise outer shape formation by exchanging one mold body while retaining the others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods with multiple mold parts are used to form a border around a panel, then the border can be produced with defined shape, but the device complexity and production cost increase due to the need for multiple components and precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into three separate shaped bodies (first, second, and third shaped bodies) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each shaped body has specific holding areas for the panel and together they enclose the space for border formation. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement and reduces the complexity of aligning a single complex mold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The three shaped bodies serve multiple functions: they hold the panel in position, define the boundary of the space for border formation, and collectively create the access channel structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple mold parts are used to enclose the border formation space, then the border shape can be precisely controlled, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to the need for precise alignment of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The mold system is segmented into three independent shaped bodies that can be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes. Each shaped body is relatively simple in structure, making them easier to manufacture individually compared to a single complex multi-part mold assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped bodies are arranged to be movable relative to one another, allowing for flexible assembly and adjustment during manufacturing. This dynamic arrangement enables easier assembly and disassembly of the mold components while maintaining precise border shape control during the actual border formation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If a closed mold is used to form the border, then the material can be contained and precisely shaped during curing, but the accessibility for material dispensing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is segmented into three shaped bodies with an intentionally created access channel between them. This segmentation allows the material dispenser to access the enclosed space through the access channel formed by the arrangement of the shaped bodies, enabling material dispensing while maintaining the closed mold structure for precise shaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The access channel acts as an intermediary pathway that allows the material dispenser to reach the enclosed space where the border material is contained. This intermediary structure enables the material to be introduced into the closed mold system without compromising the sealing and shaping precision during curing.
4Manufacturing precision
If the mold design is fixed to produce specific border shapes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to different border designs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into three separate shaped bodies that can be independently configured and repositioned. This segmentation allows the same basic mold structure to be adapted for different border designs by adjusting the arrangement and configuration of the shaped bodies, providing versatility while maintaining manufacturing precision for each specific design.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaped bodies are designed to be movable relative to one another, enabling the mold configuration to be dynamically adjusted for different border shapes and designs. This dynamic capability allows the same mold system to produce various border designs while maintaining consistent manufacturing precision through controlled positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for producing an edging (104) of a flat extended panel (101) comprising: a moulding tool (102), a material dispenser (103), which can be moved relative to the moulding tool (102), to dispense a material (119) for the edging (104), the moulding tool (102) having a first mould body (105) having a holding region (106) for the panel (101), a second mould body (107) having a holding region (108) for the panel (101) such that the panel (101) can be held by the first mould body (105) and the second mould body (107), a third mould body (109), which has a common contact region (105) with the first mould body (105), the first (105), second (107), and third (108) mould bodies being formed such that said mould bodies, together with the panel (101), form a space (111), in which the edging (104) can be formed, an access channel (112) to the space (111), which channel is formed between the second (107) and third (109) mould body.