Squeeze Molding Sand Density Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional molding techniques fail to achieve uniform sand density in molds with concave patterns on the parting plane, as they are less effective in managing sand distribution compared to convex patterns.

Innovation Solution

A method using a squeeze molding process with an auxiliary flask and a squeeze head equipped with vertically moving squeeze feet, where the feet facing concavities are lowered during sand squeezing, and those facing convexities are lifted, allowing for controlled pressure and distance adjustments to ensure uniform sand density by forming a molding space with a frame that encloses the pattern plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional squeeze molding is used with uniform squeeze feet positioning, then the molding process is simple, but the sand density becomes non-uniform in concave pattern portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesand density uniformityVSAvoidsqueeze feet control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The squeeze feet are designed to move vertically relative to the squeeze board, transitioning from a static configuration to a dynamic one. This allows the squeeze feet to adapt their position during the molding process - being lowered during filling for concave portions and lifted during squeezing for convex portions - thereby achieving uniform sand density across different pattern geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The squeeze feet facing concave portions are lowered before the filling operation begins, and the squeeze feet facing convex portions are lifted before squeezing begins. This preliminary positioning of squeeze feet ensures that the sand distribution and density are optimized for each specific pattern geometry before the main molding action occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If squeeze feet are lowered early to increase sand density in concave portions, then sand density uniformity improves, but the molding cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesand density uniformityVSAvoidmolding cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The squeeze feet positioning is integrated into the continuous molding cycle rather than being separate preparatory steps. The squeeze feet are lowered during the filling operation and lifted during the squeezing operation, ensuring that useful actions (filling and squeezing) continue without interruption while sand density uniformity is maintained

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method effectively increases sand density at concave portions, ensuring uniformity across the mold, preventing defects during pattern removal and optimizing the sand distribution process.

Implementation Method 1

a method for molding of the present invention is provided in claim 1. The method includes to form a mold by using molding sand wherein a flask and a pattern plate are used. The method has a step of forming a molding space by using the flask, using an auxiliary flask that has a lower opening that is connectable to an upper opening of the flask, using a squeeze head that has a squeeze board that can enter and withdraw from the auxiliary flask and has a plurality of squeeze feet that pass through the squeeze board and vertically move in relation to the squeeze board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3488945B1Mold forming method
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SINTOKOGIO LTD
  • EP3488945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3488945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3488945B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a method for molding by which the density of sand of a mold is almost uniform. The method comprises a step of forming a molding space by using a flask, using an auxiliary flask that has a lower opening that is connectable to an upper opening of the flask, using a squeeze head that has a squeeze board and has a plurality of squeeze feet that pass through the squeeze board and vertically move, and using a pattern plate, a step of filling the molding sand into the molding space, and a step of squeezing the molding sand by lowering the squeeze head, wherein the squeeze feet that face a concavity of a pattern are lowered at the same time as the step of squeezing starts or during the step of squeezing.