Suction Nozzle Negative Pressure Feedback for Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing injection molded articles from injection molding machines face challenges due to inaccurate detection and handling, leading to production defects and interruptions, especially with older machines where the opening stroke is not executed without tolerances and precise detection is difficult.
Innovation Solution
The method involves continuously measuring negative pressure as the suction nozzle approaches the workpiece, stopping the handling device when a threshold pressure is reached, allowing precise and gentle gripping by the suction nozzle, decelerating the movement to ensure accurate pick-up, and calibrating parameters for individual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the suction nozzle uses fixed position detection to grip the workpiece, then the handling process is simple, but the detection precision is poor leading to production defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously measuring the negative pressure in the suction nozzle and using this information to control the handling device's movement. The measured negative pressure value is fed back to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the device position to achieve precise workpiece detection and gripping, eliminating the need for complex fixed position detection systems.
2Productivity
If the handling device moves at high speed to improve productivity, then the production efficiency increases, but the workpiece may be damaged due to excessive pressure or poor gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by continuously adjusting the handling device's speed based on real-time negative pressure measurements. The control unit automatically decelerates the device when approaching the workpiece and adjusts movement speed during gripping operations, enabling high productivity while minimizing workpiece damage risk through adaptive speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by automatically decelerating the handling device before contact with the workpiece. The control unit reduces speed in advance when negative pressure indicates proximity to the workpiece, preventing impact damage and ensuring gentle gripping while maintaining efficient production cycles.
3Measurement precision
If the opening stroke tolerance is not compensated to maintain machine simplicity, then the device complexity remains low, but the workpiece detection becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the handling device to automatically compensate for opening stroke tolerances using negative pressure feedback. The control unit independently adjusts the device position based on measured negative pressure values, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex mechanical compensation mechanisms while achieving accurate workpiece detection.
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 approach minimizes the risk of damage and ensures precise handling, enhancing production quality and reliability with minimal effort, allowing for flexible and precise handling of various types of injection molded articles.
Implementation Method 1
the workpiece being gripped or sucked in a vacuum generated via the suction nozzle arranged on the handling machine
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for handling and transporting workpieces (5), in particular for removing injection-moulded articles from an injection-moulding machine. Handling is carried out with a handling machine (4) which has a programmable control and regulating unit and at least one suction nozzle (7). In order to grasp or suck up the workpiece (5), use is made of a negative pressure (-p) generated via the suction nozzle (7) arranged on the handling machine (4), if appropriate via a gripper (6). When the suction nozzle (7) approaches the workpiece (5), the suction nozzle (7) is activated. The negative pressure (-p) is measured continuously or permanently. When a settable or determined threshold value of the negative pressure (-p) is reached, the forward movement of the handling machine (4) is stopped, preferably by a braking operation. The workpiece (5) is sucked up carefully and precisely by the suction nozzle (7).