Temperature Sensor Sleeve Member Resin Ingress Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature sensors in molding machines face damage due to excessive force applied to protective windows when molten resin enters gaps between the window and its support part, caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design featuring a cylindrical fiber probe with a sleeve member positioned between the protective window and the window support part, made of materials with matching thermal expansion coefficients to prevent resin ingress and minimize force on the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the protective window is directly fixed into the window support part, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the protective window may be damaged when molten resin enters the gap between the window and support part during thermal contraction
Solution Approach 1:
A sleeve member is introduced as an intermediary component between the protective window and the window support part. The sleeve member has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the protective window and an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the window support part, creating a layered structure that prevents direct contact and resin ingress while maintaining structural integrity during thermal cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is segmented into distinct functional layers: the window support part, the sleeve member, and the protective window. This segmentation allows each component to independently handle specific functions - the support part provides structural support, the sleeve member prevents resin ingress, and the protective window performs temperature measurement, thereby improving overall reliability without complicating manufacturing
2Device complexity
If the protective window is directly fixed into the window support part, then the device complexity is low, but excessive force is applied to the protective window when the window support part contracts during cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve member acts as a mediator that absorbs and distributes the contractile forces generated when the window support part cools. By positioning the sleeve member between the protective window and the window support part, the force is transmitted through the sleeve member rather than directly to the protective window, preventing excessive force and potential damage to the window
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve member is pre-installed between the protective window and the window support part to provide cushioning against thermal contraction forces. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that when thermal cycles occur, the protective window is protected from direct contact with the contracting support part, thereby maintaining window strength and preventing damage
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
Prevents damage to the protective window by suppressing resin entry and maintaining stable contact during thermal expansion, ensuring accurate temperature measurements without excessive pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature sensor may be heated by heat emitted from the molding machine during measurement, and the window support part or the protective window may be expanded
Implementation Method 2
when the temperature sensor is cooled, the resin that has entered the gap may be pressed against the protective window by the contraction of the window support part
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a temperature sensor used in a molding machine, comprising a cylindrical fiber probe into which an optical fiber is inserted; a window support part formed in a cylindrical shape and into which at least a part of the fiber probe is inserted; a protective window disposed on a tip end side of the fiber probe while being at least partially inserted into the window support part; and a sleeve member formed in an annular shape, and having an inner circumferential surface in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the protective window and an outer circumferential surface in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the window support part.