Upstream nozzle sensor for injection molding apparatus and methods of use
First Claim
1. A method of injection molding, comprising:
- measuring, using a strain gauge pin, a change in strain in a strain gauge nozzle adapter;
approximating at least one of a pressure or a melt flow front location within a mold cavity based on the change in strain;
comparing the approximated pressure or melt flow front location to a trigger point; and
,if the approximated pressure or melt flow front location equals or exceeds the trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor, wherein upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor causes a controller to perform an action,the method further comprising amplifying a change in an alternative material insert of the strain gauge nozzle adapter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A strain gauge nozzle adapter that may be placed between a barrel end cap and a nozzle body of an injection molding system, the strain gauge nozzle adapter having a strain gauge pin that measures strain within the strain gauge nozzle adapter for use in approximating conditions within an injection molding system, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. The strain gauge nozzle adapter may include a plurality of strain gauge pins. An alternative material insert in the strain gauge nozzle adapter may surround a strain gauge pin to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the strain gauge pin so that noise measurements do not compromise the accuracy of approximation of conditions within a mold.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of injection molding, comprising:
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measuring, using a strain gauge pin, a change in strain in a strain gauge nozzle adapter; approximating at least one of a pressure or a melt flow front location within a mold cavity based on the change in strain; comparing the approximated pressure or melt flow front location to a trigger point; and
,if the approximated pressure or melt flow front location equals or exceeds the trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor, wherein upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor causes a controller to perform an action, the method further comprising amplifying a change in an alternative material insert of the strain gauge nozzle adapter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of injection molding, comprising:
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measuring, using a strain gauge pin, a change in strain in a strain gauge feed system adapter; approximating at least one of a pressure or a melt flow front location within a mold cavity based on the change in strain; comparing the approximated pressure or melt flow front location to a trigger point; and
,if the approximated pressure or melt flow front location equals or exceeds the trigger point, activating a virtual cavity sensor, wherein upon activation, the virtual cavity sensor causes a controller to perform an action, the method further comprising amplifying a change in an alternative material insert of the strain gauge feed system adapter. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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Specification