WO2011071590A1

WO2011071590A1 - Computer system for generating quotation identifying hot-runner system having refurbished component

Info

Publication number: WO2011071590A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/051768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Peder Loucks; Martin Baumann
Original assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-10
Filing date: 2010-10-07
Publication date: 2011-06-16

Abstract

A recycler-computer system (100), comprising: a memory (106) connected to the processor (102); and a collection of instructions (108) tangibly embodied in the memory (106), the collection of instructions (108) including: an analyzing operation (304) including analyzing technical requirements associated with a request for quotation for a hot-runner system; and a generation operation (312) including generating a quotation to be presented to the buyer, the quotation identifying a refurbished hot-runner system having refurbished components selected from the refurbished-stock pile.

Description

COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR GENERATING QUOTATION IDENTIFYING HOT-RUNNER SYSTEM HAVING REFURBISHED COMPONENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

An aspect of the present invention generally relates to (but is not limited to) a computer system, including: generating a quotation to be presented to a buyer, the quotation identifying a hot-runner system having a refurbished component. BACKGROUND

The first man-made plastic was invented in Britain in 1 851 by Alexander PARKES. He publicly demonstrated it at the 1862 International Exhibition in London, calling the material Parkesine. Derived from cellulose, Parkesine could be heated, molded, and retain its shape when cooled. It was, however, expensive to produce, prone to cracking, and highly flammable. In 1 868, American inventor John Wesley HYATT developed a plastic material he named Celluloid, improving on PARKES' invention so that it could be processed into finished form. HYATT patented the first injection molding machine in 1872. It worked like a large hypodermic needle, using a plunger to inject plastic through a heated cylinder into a mold. The industry expanded rapidly in the 1940s because World War II created a huge demand for inexpensive, mass-produced products. In 1 946, American inventor James Watson HENDRY built the first screw injection machine. This machine also allowed material to be mixed before injection, so that colored or recycled plastic could be added to virgin material and mixed thoroughly before being injected. In the 1970s, HENDRY went on to develop the first gas-assisted injection molding process.

Injection molding machines consist of a material hopper, an injection ram or screw-type plunger, and a heating unit. They are also known as presses, they hold the molds in which the components are shaped. Presses are rated by tonnage, which expresses the amount of clamping force that the machine can exert. This force keeps the mold closed during the injection process. Tonnage can vary from less than five tons to 6000 tons, with the higher figures used in comparatively few manufacturing operations. The total clamp force needed is determined by the projected area of the part being molded. This projected area is multiplied by a clamp force of from two to eight tons for each square inch of the projected areas. As a rule of thumb, four or five tons per square inch can be used for most products. If the plastic material is very stiff, it will require more injection pressure to fill the mold, thus more clamp tonnage to hold the mold closed. The required force can also be determined by the material used and the size of the part, larger parts require higher clamping force. With Injection Molding, granular plastic is fed by gravity from a hopper into a heated barrel. As the granules are slowly moved forward by a screw-type plunger, the plastic is forced into a heated chamber, where it is melted. As the plunger advances, the melted plastic is forced through a nozzle that rests against the mold, allowing it to enter the mold cavity through a gate and runner system. The mold remains cold so the plastic solidifies almost as soon as the mold is filled.

Mold assembly or die are terms used to describe the tooling used to produce plastic parts in molding. The mold assembly is used in mass production where thousands of parts are produced. Molds are typically constructed from hardened steel, etc. Hot-runner systems are used in molding systems, along with mold assemblies, for the manufacture of plastic articles. Usually, hot-runners systems and mold assemblies are treated as tools that may be sold and supplied separately from molding systems.

United States Patent 6675055 (Inventor: Fischer; Filed: 16 June 2000) discloses a method and apparatus that includes a computer implemented injection molding configuring subsystem which enables a customer to interactively specify and design a system using a mix of parameters that the customer specifies and are manufacturing process determined.

United States Patent 7236841 (Inventor: Fischer, et al.; Filed: 21 November 2003) discloses a method and apparatus that includes a computer implemented injection molding configuring subsystem which enables a customer to interactively specify and design a system using a mix of parameters that the customer specifies and are manufacturing process determined.

SUMMARY

It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claims, and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood that "comprising" means "including but not limited to the following".

According to one aspect, there is provided a recycler-computer system (100), comprising: a memory (106) connected to the processor (102); and a collection of instructions (108) tangibly embodied in the memory (106), the collection of instructions (108) including: an analyzing operation (304) including analyzing technical requirements associated with a request for quotation for a hot-runner system ; and a generation operation (312) including generating a quotation to be presented to the buyer, the quotation identifying a hot-runner system having a refurbished component selected from the refurbished-stock pile.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which :

FIG. 1 depicts a recycling operation (200) for recycling a hot-runner system;

FIG. 2 depicts a recycler-computer system (100) used by a recycler of the hot-runner system; and

FIG 3 depicts a recycler operation (300) used by the recycler-computer system (100) of FIG 1 . The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

It will be appreciated that for the purposes of this document, the phrase "includes (but is not limited to)" is equivalent to the word "comprising". The word "comprising" is a transitional phrase or word that links the preamble of a patent claim to the specific elements set forth in the claim which define what the invention itself actually is. The transitional phrase acts as a limitation on the claim, indicating whether a similar device, method, or composition infringes the patent if the accused device (etc) contains more or fewer elements than the claim in the patent. The word "comprising" is to be treated as an open transition, which is the broadest form of transition, as it does not limit the preamble to whatever elements are identified in the claim.

FIG. 1 depicts a recycling operation (200) for recycling a hot-runner system. A recycler, such as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), uses the recycling operation (200) for the purpose of recycling used hot-runner systems. The recycling operation (200) is used for recycling (also called refurbishing), at least in part, a used hot-runner system.

A hot-runner system is an assembly of heated components used in plastic injection molds that inject molten plastic into the cavities of the mold. The cavities are the part of the mold shaped like the parts to be produced. A hot runner system usually includes a heated manifold and a number of heated nozzles. The main task of the manifold is to distribute the plastic entering the mold to the various nozzles which then meter it precisely to the injection points in the cavities. Hot runners are fairly complicated systems, they have to maintain the plastic material within them heated uniformly, while the rest of the injection mold is being cooled in order to solidify the product quickly. For this reason they are usually assembled from components pre-manufactured by specialized companies. Hot runners usually make the mold more expensive to manufacture and run, but allow savings by reducing plastic waste and by reducing the cycle time, (do not have to wait until the conventional runners freeze). Hot-runner systems are used in molding systems, such as an injection-molding system.

The recycling operation (200) includes (but is not limited to): a receiving operation (210), a disassembling operation (220), an assessing operation (230), a rejecting operation (240), a reconditioning operation (250), a storing operation (260), a recording operation (270), a removing operation (280), and an assembling operation (290). The receiving operation (210) includes (but is not limited to) receiving at least part of or an entire used hot-runner system. The hot-runner system may be modular or not modular. An example of at least part of or an entire used hot-runner system is a hot half of the hot- runner system.

The disassembling operation (220) includes (but is not limited to) disassembling (also known as decommissioning) the used hot-runner system that was shipped to the recycler. It will be appreciated that upon return non-wear components (for example) may be credited back to the user of the hot-runner system. Typical examples of the components of a hot-runner system are: hot-half components, custom components (such as the backing plate, the manifold plate, the manifold, etc), and/or standard components (such as, nozzle parts, sprue bushing, insulators, locating rings, etc). The assessing operation (230) includes (but is not limited to) assessing components of the used hot-runner system for reusability; that is, assessing whether components of the used hot-runner system may be reconditioned.

The rejecting operation (240) includes (but is not limited to) rejecting unacceptable components, such as the wear components.

The reconditioning operation (250) includes (but is not limited to) reconditioning (such as, refurbishing, inspecting, testing, cleaning) some components of the used hot-runner system, such as non wear components. That is, refurbishing a component removed from the used hot-runner system.

The storing operation (260) includes (but is not limited to) storing (such as, stocking) acceptable (such as, refurbished, salvaged) used components of the used hot-runner system to a storage pool (also called a used or reconditioned stock pile). Examples of such components may be the non-wear components. These components may be reused and guaranteed, for example, for reuse for up to three times, etc.

The recording operation (270) includes (but is not limited to) recording (such as recording to the database (112) for example) so as to document the components that were placed into the reconditioned stock (also called refurbished stock or storage). The recording operation (270) includes, for example, recording so as to document refurbished components of the used hot-runner system that were placed into a reconditioned stock.

The removing operation (280) includes (but it not limited to) removing the refurbished component from the refurnished-stock pile having reconditioned components.

The assembling operation (290) includes (but is not limited to) assembling the refurbished component with other components to manufacture a hot-runner system, which may be called a refurbished hot-runner system or a reconditioned hot-runner system. The assembling operation (290) may also include shipping the hot-runner system (having one or more refurbished components) to the buyer. The hot-runner system built as a result of the assembling operation (290) may include one or more components that are refurbished components and one or more components that are new components or may include entirely refurbished components and no new components. It will be appreciate that the hot-runner system may be manufactured from mostly reconditioned or refurbished components, and that the hot-runner system may have or not have entirely new engineering specifications, such as pitch spacing for example, etc.

FIG. 2 depicts a recycler-computer system (100) used by a recycler of the hot-runner system. The recycler-computer system (100) may be operated by a recycler, which may also be called a facilitator. An example of the recycler may be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), such as HUSKY Injection Molding Systems Limited, which is located in Ontario, Canada. The recycler-computer system (100) may be operated by a third party independently of the OEM, that is, with or without the cooperation of the OEM. A buyer-computer system (199) is connected to the recycler-computer system (100) via a network (101 ), such as (for example) the Internet or a private network. A "computer" is also known as a computing machine, a computing device, a data processor, an electronic computer, an information-processing system, and a computer is a machine for performing calculations and/or instructions automatically.

The recycler-computer system (100) includes (but is not limited to): (i) a processor (102), (ii) an interface (104) connected to the processor (102), (iii) a memory (106) connected to the processor (102), (iv) a collection of instructions (108) tangibly embodied in the memory (106), (v) a user interface (110) connected to the processor (102), and (vi) a database (112) connected to the processor (102). The collection of instructions (108) is used for directing the processor (102). The recycler-computer system (100) is operated by a business entity interested in selling and/or offering a refurbished hot-runner system.

It will be appreciated that the recycler-computer system (100) may be adapted such as the buyer may log in to the recycler-computer system (100) via a network connection (such as the internet), so that the buyer may obtain the quotation from the recycler-computer system (100) via a web browser, by e-mail (electronic mail), fax (telephone facsimile), etc. It will be appreciated that the recycler-computer system (100) may be adapted such as the recycler-computer system (100) may generate a drawing that is a schematic representation associated with the hot-runner system being quoted in the quotation as well, and to send the drawing to the buyer, via e-mail, fax, or from a web browser, etc. It will be appreciated that the recycler-computer system (100) may be adapted such as the recycler-computer system (100) may generate engineering specifications associate with the hot-runner system being quoted in the quotation as well, and to send the engineering specifications to the buyer, via e-mail, fax, or from a web browser, etc.

The processor (102) is also called a central processing unit (CPU), which is part of a computer (such as, for example but not limited to, a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing tasks and/or instructions and/or computations; the processor (102) forms the central part of the recycler-computer system (100) to which the peripherals are attached. The interface (104) is also known an interface module, a computer interface, etc, such as a serial port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, etc. The interface (104) generally refers to a connection or interface apparatus for connecting the processor (102) to other electronic devices, such as (but not limited to) the network (101 ). The interface (104) may include an interface between hardware components are physical interfaces and also may include software interfaces, which exist between separate software components and provide a programmatic mechanism by which the hardware interface can communicate. The memory (106) is also known as a computer memory, a storage unit, a computer storage unit, a store, a memory board, which is an electronic-memory device or any device which may be connected to the processor (102) that may be used to embody the collection of instructions (108), such as, but not limited to a CD (Compact Disc, a processor-usable medium, etc), random-access memory (RAM), etc. The collection of instructions (108) is instructions that are executable by the processor (102), such as a line of code written as part of a computer program. To manufacture the collections of instructions (108), a high-level programming language was or is used. A high-level programming language is a programming language with strong abstraction from the details of a particular computer system. In comparison to low-level programming languages, such as the collection of instructions (108), it may use natural language elements, be easier to use, or be more portable across platforms (that is, computer systems). Such languages hide the details of CPU operations such as memory access models and management of scope. This greater abstraction and hiding of details is generally intended to make the language user-friendly, as it includes concepts from the problem domain instead of those of the machine used. A high-level language isolates the execution semantics of computer architecture from the specification of the program, making the process of developing a program simpler and more understandable with respect to a low-level language. The amount of abstraction provided defines how "high- level" a programming language is. A compiler is software that converts a set of high-level language statements or instructions into a lower-level representation (such as the collection of instructions (108) and/or is software that translates a program written in a high-level programming language (C/C++, COBOL, etc.) into machine language. A compiler usually generates assembly language first and then translates the assembly language into machine language. A utility known as a "linker" then combines all required machine language modules into an executable program that can run in the computer. The user interface (110) is an interface between a human and the computer system.

The database (112) is an integrated collection of logically related records and/or files consolidated into a common pool that provides data for one or more multiple uses. Software organizes the data in a database according to a database model. The relational model occurs most commonly. Other models such as the hierarchical model and the network model use a more explicit representation of relationships. The contents of the database (112) may include proprietary data that is not intended to be viewed by the buyer and/or the by the seller. The recycler maintains the database (112) with engineering design information and/or data. It will be appreciated that the database (112) may reside entirely in one single computer system or may be distributed amongst several interconnected computer systems that are connected with the recycler-computer system (100). It will also be appreciated that the recycler-computer system (100) may include a plurality of interconnected computer systems that cooperatively exchange data and/or instructions, or may include a single stand-alone computer system. FIG 3 depicts a recycler operation (300) used by the recycler-computer system (100) of FIG 1 . The recycler operation (300) includes (but is not limited to): a receiving operation (302), an analyzing operation (304), an identifying operation (306), an identification operation (308), a generating operation (310), a generation operation (312), and a transmitting operation (314). The recycler operation (300) includes instructions that are included in the collection of instructions (108).

The receiving operation (302) includes (but is not limited to): receiving request to quote used hot runner.

The analyzing operation (304) includes (but is not limited to): analyzing the technical requirements associated with the request for quotation for a hot-runner system, as for a refurnished hot-runner system, etc. The analyzing operation (304) includes collecting information pertaining to design of a hot-runner system required by the buyer. The design is information required by the buyer. The application review may be based on guidelines, and execution of documented design rules, etc for the design of the hot-runner system. It will be appreciated that the design of the hot-runner system may be based on guidelines (documented design rules) provided by the buyer or by the OEM or by the recycler. The identifying operation (306) includes (but is not limited to): identifying, by using the database (112), components to be selected from the refurbished-stock pile having, at the very least, refurbished hot-runner components.

The identification operation (308) includes (but is not limited to) identifying, by using the database (112) for example, a new component (or new components) such as new custom components (for example, a backing plate, a manifold plate, a manifold assembly, etc.) and/or a new standard component (such as, a nozzle part, a sprue bushing, an insulator, a locating ring, an electrical component, etc.). The identification operation (308) may include checking availability and conformability of components to be selected form the reconditioned stock pile (from the refurbished stock or reconditioned stock).

The generating operation (310) includes (but is not limited to): generating a bill of materials. It will be appreciated that the bill of materials may include some components that are entirely new parts and some components that are reconditioned or refurbished components. The generation operation (312) includes (but is not limited to): generating a quotation to be presented to the buyer, the quotation identifying a hot-runner system, including a refurbished component that is selected from the refurbished-stock pile. It will be appreciated that some components of the hot-runner system may be one or more new components and some components of the hot-runner system may be one or more refurbished components. It will be appreciated that the quotation may optionally include (but is not limited to) a price for a new hot runner system, so that the buyer has a choice between selecting or buying a reconditioned or refurnished hot-runner system or an entirely new hot-runner system (that is, process for both types of hot-runner systems are displayed in the quotation to be provided to the buyer). A further enhancement may be provided by having the generation operation (312) further include executing the quotation if the buyer provides approval for the quotation. It will be appreciated that a separate computer system may be set up for executing the quotation.

The transmitting operation (314) includes (but is not limited to): transmitting the quotation for the refurbished hot-runner system to the buyer. It will be appreciated that as an option, the quotation may include a price for an entirely new hot-runner system. A technical effect that may be realized is a cost reduction for the buyer when buying a refurbished hot-runner system.

It will be appreciated that the order of the operations of the recycler operation (300) may be reshuffled according to the needs of the recycler.

It will be appreciated that the recycler-computer system (100) may be adapted so that the collection of instructions (108) includes a recording operation (270) including recording so as to document refurbished components of the used hot-runner system that were placed into a reconditioned stock.

It is noted that the foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments. Thus, although the description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments, the scope of the present invention is suitable and applicable to other arrangements and applications. Modifications to the non-limiting embodiments can be effected without departing from the scope the independent claims. It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A recycler-computer system (100), comprising:

a processor (102);

a memory (106) connected to the processor (102); and

a collection of instructions (108) tangibly embodied in the memory (106), the collection of instructions (108) for directing the processor (102), the collection of instructions (108) including:

an analyzing operation (304) including analyzing technical requirements associated with a request for quotation for a hot-runner system; and a generation operation (312) including generating the quotation to be presented to a buyer, the quotation identifying the hot-runner system having a refurbished component selected from a refurbished-stock pile.

2. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the generation operation (312) further includes:

execution of the quotation if the buyer provides approval for the quotation.

3. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the collection of instructions (108) further includes:

an identifying operation (306) including identifying, at least in part, components to be selected from the refurbished-stock pile.

4. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the collection of instructions (108) further includes:

a generating operation (310) including generating a bill of materials having some components that are refurbished.

5. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the collection of instructions (108) further includes:

a transmitting operation (314) including transmitting the quotation for the hot-runner system to the buyer.

6. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the collection of instructions (108) further includes:

a receiving operation (302) including receiving request to quote used hot runner.

7. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the collection of instructions (108) further includes:

an identification operation (308) including identifying, using a database (112), components that are new.

8. The recycler-computer system (100) of claim 1 , wherein:

the collection of instructions (108) further includes:

a receiving operation (302) including receiving request to quote used hot runner;

an identifying operation (306) including identifying, at least in part, components to be selected from the refurbished-stock pile;

an identification operation (308) including identifying a new component to be used in the hot-runner system;

a generating operation (310) including generating a bill of materials having the refurbished component; and

9. A memory (106) for connection with a processor (102) associated with a recycler- computer system (100), the memory (106) comprising:

a processor-usable medium; and

a collection of instructions (108) tangibly embodied in the processor-usable medium, the collection of instructions (108) including:

an analyzing operation (304) including analyzing technical requirements associated with a request for quotation for a refurnished hot-runner system; and

a generation operation (312) including generating the quotation to be presented to a buyer, the quotation identifying a hot-runner system having a refurbished component selected from a refurbished-stock pile.

1 0. A recycling operation (200) for recycling, at least in part, a used hot-runner system, the recycling operation (200) comprising:

a receiving operation (210) including receiving at least part of or an entire used hot-runner system;

a disassembling operation (220) including disassembling the used hot-runner system that was shipped to a recycler;

an assessing operation (230) including assessing whether components of the used hot-runner system may be reconditioned;

a rejecting operation (240) including rejecting unacceptable components;

a reconditioning operation (250) including refurbishing a component being removed from the used hot-runner system;

a storing operation (260) including storing, at least in part, a refurbished component of the used hot-runner system to a reconditioned stock pile; and

a recording operation (270) including recording so as to document the components that were placed into a refurbished-stock pile.

1 1 . The recycling operation (200) of claim 10, further comprising:

a removing operation (280) including removing the refurbished component from a refurnished-stock pile having reconditioned components; and

an assembling operation (290) includes assembling the refurbished component with other components to manufacture a hot-runner system.

12. A recycler-computer system (100), comprising:

a processor (102);

a memory (106) connected to the processor (102); and

a recording operation (270) including recording so as to document refurbished components of a used hot-runner system that were placed into a refurbished-stock pile.