Spring-Loaded Mold Mounting Profile Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mold change processes in tire curing presses are inefficient due to the need to loosen and re-tighten hot screws, leading to production interruptions and accessibility issues, while also restricting mold attachment to a single predetermined hole circle.
Innovation Solution
The use of mounting bolts with a mounting profile guided through an insertion recess of a fixing element, where a locking element is positioned transversely to the mounting bolt's longitudinal direction, and adjusted by a tensioning element against a spring force for positive locking, allowing for rapid mold changes with high operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fixed mold segments to the head part, then the mold segments can be securely held, but the mold change process becomes time-consuming and requires interruption of production
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is segmented into separate functional elements: mounting bolts with profiles, fixing elements with insertion recesses, locking elements, and tensioning elements with springs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure holding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system transitions from a static screwed connection to a dynamic system where the tensioning element with spring can be quickly adjusted between tensioned and relaxed states. This dynamic capability allows rapid mold changes by simply releasing the tensioning element, which automatically unlocks the locking element, eliminating the need for time-consuming screw loosening while maintaining secure fixation during curing.
2Reliability
If screws are used to fixed mold segments, then the connection is secure, but the screws become difficult to access when hot
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from traditional screws and distributed across multiple specialized components. The mounting bolts with profiles engage with fixing elements, while locking elements and tensioning elements with springs provide the securing mechanism. This extraction allows the fastening system to be operated from a single accessible location without requiring access to hot, hard-to-reach areas where traditional screws would be located.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the mounting bolt and the fixing element. Instead of directly manipulating screws in hard-to-reach areas, the operator controls the locking element which mediates the connection, providing secure fastening while maintaining ease of operation from an accessible position.
3Reliability
If traditional fixing methods are used, then the mold segments are held securely, but additional components like adapter plates or cylinders are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system merges multiple functions into an integrated assembly: mounting bolts with profiles provide positioning and engagement, fixing elements with insertion recesses provide the mounting interface, locking elements provide security, and tensioning elements with springs provide automatic tensioning and locking. This merging eliminates the need for separate adapter plates or additional cylinders while maintaining secure mold segment retention through the coordinated action of all components.
4Reliability
If traditional screw fixation is used, then the mold segments are held firmly, but mold changes require production interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning element with spring is pre-loaded during mold installation, creating a preliminary tensile force that automatically maintains the locking engagement. This preliminary action ensures firm holding during the curing process without requiring continuous adjustment or intervention, and allows rapid release when the tensioning element is relaxed, eliminating production downtime for mold changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded tensioning element provides self-service by automatically maintaining tension and locking engagement throughout the curing cycle. The system self-regulates the holding force without external intervention, ensuring firm mold retention while enabling rapid release when needed, thus reducing production downtime without sacrificing reliability.
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 solution enables simple and reliable locking and unlocking of mold segments, eliminates the need for additional mold adapter plates or cylinders, and allows for various mold attachment configurations, reducing production downtime and enhancing operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning element adjusting the fixing element in the longitudinal direction of the mounting bolt is displaced by an adjusting device against a spring force and then reset by the spring force
Data Source
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AI summary
The method and the device are used for mounting forms of a heating process of tires that are produced from an elastomeric material. Form segments of the form are held detachably by a support device. Mounting pins of a guiding element supporting the form segments, said pins being provided with a mounting profile, are guided through an insertion recess of a fixation element disposed in the region of the support device. Thereafter, a locking element of the fixation element is positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mounting pin and thereby locked by the mounting profile with respect to the fixation element. Before carrying out the transversal positioning of the locking element, a tensioning element, which adjusts the fixation element in a longitudinal direction of the mounting pin, is displaced against a spring force. Thereafter, the tensioning element is reset by the spring force in order to hold the mounting profile of the mounting pin in the region of the fixation element by positive fit.