Modular Snow Brick Mold Segmentation Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic molds for malleable materials like snow and sand face challenges in ejecting the final shape without damaging it, requiring excessive force that can render the shape unusable.
Innovation Solution
A modular mold design comprising a shell, handle assembly, and compression plate that compresses the material within the mold, allowing for complete ejection and improved structural integrity by using a combination of three separate components to form stronger and better-defined shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed handle mold design is used, then the mold structure is simple, but the ejection force required is excessive and damages the final shape
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into three separate components: a shell, a handle assembly, and a compression plate. This segmentation allows the compression plate to be pressed into the shell to compact the snow or sand, then the handle assembly can be withdrawn to eject the formed shape without requiring excessive ejection force that would damage the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression plate acts as an intermediary element between the handle assembly and the malleable material. By pressing the compression plate into the shell, the material is compacted in place, and then the plate can be withdrawn along with the handle assembly, allowing the formed shape to be ejected without direct high-force contact that would damage it.
2Strength
If material is packed tightly in the mold, then the structural appearance is improved, but the ejection force required increases and may damage the shape
Solution Approach 1:
The compression plate is pressed into the shell before ejection occurs, compacting the snow or sand material to achieve dense packing and improved structural appearance. This preliminary compaction action separates the material packing function from the ejection function, allowing the material to be tightly packed without requiring high force during the actual ejection process.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the compression function (performed by the compression plate) from the ejection function (performed by the handle assembly withdrawal), the system can achieve tight material packing while using minimal force during ejection, preventing damage to the well-formed shape.
3Device complexity
If a single piece mold is used, then the device complexity is low, but the final shape quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mold system is segmented into three components (shell, handle assembly, compression plate) that work together to achieve superior shape definition. The compression plate ensures uniform material distribution and compaction, while the shell provides the mold cavity, and the handle assembly enables controlled operation and ejection, resulting in a well-formed final shape that outweighs the increased component count.
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 solution enables the creation of durable, well-formed shapes that can be ejected without damage, enhancing usability and structural appearance, applicable to all closed polygonal shapes.
Implementation Method 1
moving the handle assembly along the depth of said shell toward the open end of the shell thereby compressing said malleable material within the shell against a stationary surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to molds that are used to craft snow or sand into different shapes. Specifically, the present invention provides a mechanism for compressing the snow or sand, then assisting in the compression of the snow or sand, and/or assisting with the ejection of the same from the mold in order to produce an improved shape.