Vented Sealing Element for Mark-Free Injection Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing methods for molding machines leave venting marks on the final product and do not allow controlled venting during the injection process.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with a base body and a venting duct that connects an inner receptacle to an outer surface, allowing for controlled venting of gases and bubbles without leaving marks on the final product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical seals or flexible seals are used to seal the interface between the product and the mold, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but venting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into distinct functional zones: a sealing region with sealing elements that contact the product, and a venting region with venting channels that allow gas escape. This segmentation allows the seal to perform both sealing and venting functions simultaneously without compromising either effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing element have different properties: the sealing region has high sealing capability with contact elements, while the venting region has open channels for gas flow. This local differentiation enables each region to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified component.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If venting channels and/or venting chambers are provided in the mold, then venting capability is improved, but product surface quality deteriorates due to venting marks
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is extracted from the mold structure itself and integrated into the sealing element. The venting channels are located within the sealing element rather than in the mold cavity, allowing gas to be vented through the seal structure itself without creating marks on the product surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the mold and the product, providing a dedicated pathway for gas venting that does not directly contact the product surface. The venting channels in the sealing element serve as a mediator that allows gas escape while protecting the product from venting marks.
3Reliability
If sealing elements are designed to seal the best possible way, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but controlled venting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented into sealing zones with contact elements for effective sealing and venting zones with open channels for controlled gas flow. This segmentation allows the element to maintain strong sealing while providing controlled venting pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the sealing element have different functional qualities: high sealing capability in contact regions and high venting capability in channel regions. This local quality differentiation enables the seal to perform both functions optimally simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing element for a molding machine comprises a base body with an inner receptacle wherein the base body is provided with a venting duct to connect an inner receptacle of the sealing element with an outer surface thereof.