Retractable overmolded insert retention apparatus

• US 20040115296A1
• Filed: 09/29/2003
• Published: 06/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Original Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
• Inventors: Duffin, Terry M.
• Application Number:
  US10/473,643
• Publication Number:
  US 20040115296A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 425/156
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/1409 using control means for retraction of the centering means
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14073 using means being retractable during injection

Abstract

An insert retention apparatus for use with an insert mold tool includes an actuator having a power system, a drive assembly and a control unit. The retention apparatus also includes an insert mold tool and a retention post operably connected to the drive assembly of the actuator. The retention post is preferably configured for movement through the insert mold tool between a first position wherein the retention post engages and maintains a stamping in fixed position within the insert mold tool while a liquid resin is injected into the insert mold tool to a second position wherein the retention post is disengaged and moved relative to the stamping prior to the resin completely curing. The invention also relates to a method of forming an overmold on a stamping.

Claims

1. An insert retention apparatus for use with an insert mold tool, comprising:

an actuator including a power system, a drive assembly and a control unit;

an insert mold tool; and

at least one retention post operably connected to the drive assembly of the actuator configured for movement through the insert mold tool between a first position wherein the at least one retention post engages and maintains a stamping in fixed position within the insert mold tool while a liquid resin is injected into the insert mold tool to a second position wherein the at least one retention post is disengaged and moved relative to the stamping prior to the resin completely curing.

2. An insert retention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control unit includes a timer which initiates disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post from the stamping after a predetermined time period.

3. An insert retention apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a sensor which initiates disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post from the stamping after sensing a predetermined condition.

4. An insert retention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the insert mold tool includes an infusion valve, the infusion valve initiates disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post from the stamping after a predetermined amount of resin flows through the infusion valve.

5. An insert retention apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the drive assembly includes a piston which controls the movement of the retention post from the first to second positions.

6. A method of forming an overmold on a stamping comprising the steps of:

providing;

an actuator including a power system, a drive assembly and a control unit;

an insert mold tool; and

at least one retention post operably connected to the drive assembly of the actuator;

engaging a stamping with the retention post to maintain the stamping in fixed position within the insert mold tool;

injecting an overmold resin under pressure into the insert mold tool;

activating the drive assembly to disengage the retention post from the stamping and withdraw the retention post through the insert mold tool in response to a signal from the control unit; and

allowing the overmold resin to cure and bond to the stamping.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein after the step of activating the drive assembly to disengage the retention post, the method further includes the step of:

injecting additional resin into the insert mold tool.

8. A method according to claim 6 wherein the control unit signals the disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post after approximately 50% of the insert mold tool is filled with resin.

9. A method according to claim 6 wherein the control unit signals the disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post when about 50% to about 95% of the resin has been injected into the insert mold tool.

10. A method according to claim 6 wherein the control unit signals the disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post based upon a reading from a durometer.

11. A method according to claim 6 wherein the control unit signals the disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post based upon the expiration of a predetermined time period.

12. A method according to claim 6 wherein the control unit signals the disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post based upon a predetermined pressure reading.

13. A method according to claim 6 wherein the control unit signals the disengagement and withdrawal of the retention post based upon a predetermined viscosity.