Variable Geometry Mould for Polystyrene Panel Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moulds for manufacturing sintered expanded polystyrene panels are limited in adaptability to different formats and dimensional variants, requiring multiple moulds and resulting in significant waste, inefficiency, and long processing times.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose mould structure with variable geometry and modular components for expanding and sintering polystyrene, allowing for the production of panels with varying dimensions, thickness, and embedded reinforcement, enabling the creation of prefabricated construction panels with customizable shapes and sizes using a single mould setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moulds are used to produce different formats and dimensional variants, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single mould structure capable of producing multiple different formats and dimensional variants through variable geometry mechanisms. The mould can be adjusted to create panels of varying dimensions, thicknesses, and shapes, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated moulds while maintaining manufacturing flexibility across different product specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mould incorporates variable geometry and modular components that can be dynamically adjusted during production. This includes adjustable mould walls, reconfigurable reinforcement loading mechanisms, and adaptable panel release systems that enable the same mould structure to produce different panel configurations without requiring physical replacement of the entire mould.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moulds are used for different formats, then production adaptability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction adaptabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mould features dynamic adjustment capabilities with variable geometry components and modular elements that can be reconfigured between production runs. This allows rapid transition between different panel formats and dimensions without the time-consuming process of replacing entire moulds, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining production adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional moulds are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but waste and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidwaste
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing a single multipurpose mould that can produce various panel formats and dimensions, the system eliminates the waste associated with producing dedicated moulds for each product variant. The variable geometry design allows the same mould structure to be reused across different production runs, reducing material waste and improving overall manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective production of sintered expanded polystyrene panels with customizable dimensions and shapes, reducing waste and processing time while allowing for easy loading and unloading of reinforcement elements, thus enhancing manufacturing productivity and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

Multipurpose mould structure for the expansion and sintering of polystyrene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Implementation Method 2

expansion and sintering of polystyrene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3753701B1Multipurpose mould structure for the expansion and sintering of polystyrene
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 CANDIRACCI ANGELO
  • EP3753701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3753701B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3753701B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Multipurpose mould structure for the expansion and sintering of polystyrene (eps, polystyrene), for manufacturing prefabricated panels for construction purposes (6), made of reinforced or non-reinforced sintered expanded polystyrene consisting, when reinforced, of a composite complex obtained by aggregating steel to the sintered expanded polymeric mass, preferably of the high-density type, by embedding - thereinto - typically wire-like/rod-like metal elements preassembled to form a cage (5) made of electrowelded elements, often provided with further metalware such as hinges and/or joining strips and/or the like, comprising an operating unit (1A, 1B)) consisting of at two half-shells (7, 8) with variable geometry and shape to modify the volume, the size and the conformation of the mould compartment or chamber (2), served by mechanisms for supplying (20, 21) and loading (23, 25) the reinforcement means (5) or elements to be embedded into the moulded sintered mass, as well as a mechanisms (4) for unloading (21, 31) and removing (26, 27) the moulded panels (6); said operating unit (1A) being designated to be twinned to at least an identical one (1B) to form a single mould compartment or chamber (2) with an area at least twice as large.