Valve Assembly Independent Vacuum Pressure Control Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current injection molding machines face challenges in efficiently handling and processing multiple sets of molded articles due to limitations in vacuum and pressurized fluid control, leading to inconsistent ejection and handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with independent control of vacuum and pressurized air supply to each set of transfer tubes, featuring moveable closure members and a vacuum selector valve, allows for selective communication between tooling ports and fluid sources, enabling precise management of fluid flows to accommodate different sets of molded articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vacuum and pressurized fluid control system is used for multiple sets of transfer tubes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of ejection for each set of articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid control system into separate control mechanisms for each set of transfer tubes. Each set has its own vacuum closure member and pressure closure member that can be independently actuated, allowing individual control of vacuum and pressure for each tube set. This segmentation enables precise control of ejection timing and force for each article set while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing each closure member to be independently actuated at different times and with different forces. The vacuum closure members and pressure closure members can open and close in sequence, enabling dynamic coordination of ejection operations across multiple tube sets. This dynamic control ensures that each article set is ejected at the optimal moment while maintaining overall system efficiency.
2Productivity
If vacuum and pressurized air are supplied simultaneously to all transfer tubes, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of controlled ejection for each set deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ejection control by providing separate vacuum and pressure supply lines for each transfer tube set, with individual closure members that can be selectively opened. This allows simultaneous operation of multiple tube sets while maintaining independent control over each set's ejection timing, ensuring both high productivity and reliable controlled ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms where each closure member can be actuated independently to open or close vacuum and pressure lines at precisely controlled moments. This dynamic control enables coordinated simultaneous ejection of multiple article sets while maintaining the ability to adjust timing and sequencing as needed, preserving both productivity and ejection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If ambient air intake is not prevented during vacuum operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of vacuum pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by equipping each transfer tube with a vacuum closure member that closes the tube opening before vacuum is applied. This prevents ambient air from entering the tube during vacuum operations, maintaining vacuum pressure efficiency. The closure members are designed to open only after vacuum is established and articles are securely held, ensuring no unnecessary air intake occurs.
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 enhances the efficiency and consistency of article ejection and handling by allowing independent control of vacuum and pressurized air to each set of transfer tubes, reducing ambient air intake and improving the overall handling process in injection molding machines.
Implementation Method 1
A first vacuum channel may extend through the housing and may provide fluid communication between the first tooling port and a vacuum source. A first vacuum closure member may be moveable between an open position, in which the first vacuum channel is open, and a closed position, in which the first vacuum channel is blocked
Implementation Method 2
A first pressure channel may extend through the housing and may provide fluid communication between the first tooling port and a pressurized fluid source. A first pressure closure member may be moveable between an open position, in which the first pressure channel is open, and a closed position, in which the first pressure channel is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for use with a part handling assembly of an injection molding machine includes a housing having a first tooling port for fluid communication with a first set of receivers on the part handling apparatus and a second tooling port for fluid communication with a second set of receivers on the part handling apparatus. First and second vacuum channels extend through the housing and are provided with respective first and second vacuum closure members to provide selective fluid communication between a vacuum source and the first and second tooling ports, respectively. First and second pressure channels extend through the housing and are provided with respective first and second pressure closure members to provide selective fluid communication between a pressurized fluid source and the first and second tooling ports, respectively. The first pressure closure member is moveable independently from the first vacuum closure member, and the second pressure closure member is moveable independently from the second vacuum closure member.