Tapered Locating Ring for Injection Mold Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of molds in injection molding machines is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment with the platen, which requires numerous adjustments in both vertical and horizontal directions, making the process frustrating and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mold with a protruding ring featuring a tapered end is used to simplify the alignment process, where the tapered end is partially inserted into the platen opening and incrementally moved toward the center, guiding the ring into full engagement, thereby simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locating ring with a flat end is used, then the mold can be installed in the injection molding machine, but the alignment process requires numerous adjustments in vertical and horizontal directions, making it time-consuming and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The locating ring's end surface is changed from flat to tapered geometry. This parameter change in the ring's shape allows it to self-align with the platen opening during insertion, eliminating the need for manual adjustments in vertical and horizontal directions and significantly reducing installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the locating ring performs the alignment action automatically during the insertion process itself. The taper guides the ring into proper alignment as it is being inserted, so the alignment action is built into the installation process rather than requiring separate adjustment steps
Data Source
AI summary
A mold for use with an injection molding machine includes a body having a surface and a ring protruding from the surface for aligning the body and a platen. The ring defines a right circular cylinder having a protruding end, the protruding end having subtracted therefrom a generally wedge-shaped portion, the protruding end forming a tapered end.