Self-Propelled Locking System for Extrusion Tool Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing co-extrusion installations for producing complex profiles require heavy and bulky locking systems to ensure waterproofing and rigidity, which complicate maintenance, increase costs, and affect the installation's grounding.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight self-contracted lock system is introduced, featuring a mobile bit and a locking engine coupled with a draft to provide a direct and efficient tightening mechanism, allowing for rapid tool block changes with reduced energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy and bulky locking system is used to guarantee sealing and rigidity against high working pressures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into multiple independent locking members (first lock, second lock) that can be individually controlled. Each locking member has its own locking motor and tie rod, allowing distributed application of clamping force across the joint plane, thereby achieving reliable sealing and rigidity without requiring a single bulky locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional bulky mechanical locking systems with electromechanical actuators (locking motors coupled to tie rods). This substitution enables precise control of clamping force while reducing overall system complexity and maintenance requirements, as the electromechanical system allows for controlled operation and monitoring
2Reliability
If a heavy and bulky locking system is used to ensure robust locking, then reliability is improved, but the footprint of the installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple compact locking members distributed across the joint plane. Each locking member is a compact unit with integrated motor and tie rod, eliminating the need for a single large bulky locking system while maintaining robust locking through distributed clamping forces
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are arranged in a distributed pattern across the joint plane (in the coupling direction), rather than concentrating locking mechanisms in one location. This spatial distribution allows robust locking to be achieved across the entire interface area without increasing the overall installation footprint
3Reliability
If a heavy and bulky locking system is used to guarantee sealing, then reliability is improved, but maintenance duration and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple independent locking members, each with its own motor and tie rod. This modular architecture allows individual locking members to be maintained or replaced independently, significantly reducing maintenance duration and cost compared to a monolithic locking system where any issue requires complete system shutdown and complex disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to be movable and controllable, allowing for dynamic adjustment and easy access during maintenance operations. The independent control of each locking member enables selective maintenance without affecting the entire locking system, improving ease of repair while maintaining sealing reliability
4Device complexity
If the locking system is made simpler and more compact, then device complexity is reduced, but the clamping force generation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The total clamping force requirement is distributed across multiple locking members instead of requiring a single large locking mechanism. Each locking member generates a portion of the total clamping force through its tie rod acting on the joint plane, achieving the required overall clamping force while keeping each individual locking member simple and compact
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force is applied across the entire joint plane through multiple distributed locking members rather than concentrating force at a single point. This distributes the force application area, allowing each locking member to be simpler while the collective system achieves the necessary total clamping force for reliable sealing
5Productivity
If the amplitude of movement of locking members is reduced, then productivity is improved through faster tool block changes, but the locking mechanism may require more precision
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are designed with controlled movement characteristics, where the amplitude of movement is optimized to achieve rapid locking and unlocking while maintaining sufficient engagement. The electromechanical actuators provide precise control over the movement trajectory and stopping position, enabling fast operation without sacrificing the precision needed for reliable locking engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The use of electromechanical actuators (locking motors with tie rods) replaces traditional purely mechanical locking mechanisms. This substitution enables precise control of the locking members' movement through electrical signals, allowing for rapid and repeatable positioning with high precision even over short movement distances, thereby supporting both high productivity and manufacturing precision requirements
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
The self-contracted lock system achieves a robust and reliable locking mechanism while minimizing the complexity and cost of maintenance, and it allows for precise and rapid switching between closing and opening configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the locking motor can act in traction on the tie rod, against the anchoring point, in order to approach, with said jaw, said anchoring point, in the locking direction, so that said jaw generates the clamping force which presses the first head against the tool block
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an extrusion installation (1) comprising at least one first head (2) which is designed to receive a first extruder (3), a tool block (5) which comprises a nozzle (6) designed to shape a profiled element, a first lock (10) for applying a clamping force (F10) that presses the first head (2) against the tool block (5) in a first coupling direction (X), and wherein the first lock (10) comprises a first jaw (11) which is mounted so as to be movable in a second locking direction (Y), transverse to the coupling direction (X), and at least one locking motor (12) which is on-board said first jaw (11) and coupled to a tie rod (13) which is designed to exert traction against an anchoring point (14) provided in the first head (2), in order to move the first jaw (11) towards the anchoring point (14) such that said first jaw (11) generates the clamping force (F10).