AU2018102109A4 - Encapsulation shroud for an injection molding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An encapsulation assembly for an injection molding machine includes a nozzle adapter defining a body, an encapsulation shroud coupled to the body of the nozzle adapter, and a transducer. The nozzle adapter body has a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a flow path extending between the first and second ends, and a through bore formed in the body and extending into the flow path. The encapsulation shroud has a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a shroud through bore formed between the first and second ends, and at least one mounting portion. The transducer is insertable through the through bore of the encapsulation shroud and into the through bore of the nozzle adapter. The encapsulation shroud encapsulates the through bore of the nozzle adapter when coupled thereto. 167a 160 168 168 160c 167b /160b 152a- 160a 151 152c 152 152b 167b 168 167 160 167a 163a ~'~168 160b 160a 128-/ 180 158 152c 152 162a 152a 152bs15

Description

ENCAPSULATION SHROUD FOR AN INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to injection molding and, more particularly, to approaches for encapsulating components of an injection molding machine.

BACKGROUND [0002] Injection molding is a technology commonly used for high-volume manufacturing of parts constructed of thermoplastic materials. During repetitive injection molding processes, a thermoplastic resin, typically in the form of small pellets or beads, is introduced into an injection molding machine which melts the pellets under heat and pressure. In an injection cycle, the molten material is forcefully injected into a mold cavity having a particular desired cavity shape. The injected plastic is held under pressure in the mold cavity and is subsequently cooled and removed as a solidified part having a shape closely resembling the cavity shape of the mold. A single mold may have any number of individual cavities which can be connected to a flow channel by a gate that directs the flow of the molten resin into the cavity. A typical injection molding procedure generally includes four basic operations: (1) heating the plastic in the injection molding machine to allow the plastic to flow under pressure; (2) injecting the melted plastic into a mold cavity or cavities defined between two mold halves that have been closed; (3) allowing the plastic to cool and harden in the cavity or cavities while under pressure; and (4) opening the mold halves and ejecting the part from the mold. Upon ejecting the part from the mold, the device that injects the melted plastic into the mold cavity or cavities (e.g., a screw or an auger) enters a recovery phase in which it returns to an original position.

[0003] In these systems, a control system controls the injection molding process according to an injection cycle that defines a series of control values for the various components of the injection molding machine. For example, the injection cycle can be driven by a fixed and/or a variable melt pressure and/or screw velocity profile wherein the controller uses (for example) sensed pressures at a nozzle and/or screw velocity as the input for determining a driving force applied to the material.

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 [0004] Melt pressure transducers are frequently used to sense melt pressures at or near the nozzle. These transducers are typically installed such that they penetrate into the nozzle of the machine by way of a hole or bore at a location which may be particularly volatile due to high pressure environments. Accordingly, leaks may develop due to misaligned, mis-matched, and/or damaged components in addition to insufficient seating of the components. Further, a plastic leak path may form from the nozzle to the mold or into the formed hole or bore, or may develop between the nozzle body and the nozzle tip and/or between the nozzle body and the end cap (or injection unit). If plastic material traverses this hole and affixes to the transducer, the transducer may become irreparably damaged as it may be extremely difficult to remove the plastic therefrom, which in turn can increase production costs and require on-site advanced replacement procedures. Additionally, the transducer may become damaged due to impacts when trying to remove the plastic from the sensor or its cable and/or when performing work in close proximity to the sensor.

SUMMARY [0005] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention are directed to the encapsulation and protection of sensing devices in highly volatile locations of injection molding machines. Systems and approaches for protecting these components include providing an encapsulation assembly for an injection molding machine that includes a nozzle adapter defining a body, an encapsulation shroud coupled to the body of the nozzle adapter, and a transducer. The nozzle adapter body has a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a flow path extending between the first and second ends, and a through bore formed in the body and extending into the flow path. The encapsulation shroud has a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a shroud through bore formed between the first and second ends, and at least one mounting portion. The transducer is insertable through the through bore of the encapsulation shroud and into the through bore of the nozzle adapter. The encapsulation shroud encapsulates the through bore of the nozzle adapter when coupled thereto.

[0006] In these examples, the encapsulation shroud may include upper and lower clamshell portions. In some forms, when the upper and lower clamshell portions are coupled to each other, they may define the shroud through bore. The at least one mounting portion may be in the form

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 of an opening formed in the encapsulation shroud. The opening may be dimensioned to accommodate a screw to secure the encapsulation shroud to the body of the nozzle adapter. In some approaches, the encapsulation assembly may further include a securing member that is operably coupled to the encapsulation shroud to limit movement of the transducer. The securing member may be in the form of a set screw that is insertable into an opening formed on the encapsulation shroud.

[0007] In some forms, the encapsulation assembly may further include a sheathing that surrounds a portion of the transducer. This sheathing may be constructed from a non-reactive silicone polymer material. In some examples, the encapsulation shroud is constructed from either a metallic or a non-metallic material.

[0008] In accordance with a second aspect, an injection molding machine may include an injection unit having a mold forming a mold cavity, a screw that moves from a first position to a second position, a nozzle, an encapsulation assembly, and a controller adapted to control operation of the injection molding machine according to an injection cycle. The injection unit is adapted to receive and inject a molten plastic material into the mold cavity through the nozzle via the screw to form a molded part. The encapsulation assembly includes a nozzle adapter defining a body, an encapsulation shroud coupled to the body of the nozzle adapter, and a sensor (e.g., a transducer). The nozzle adapter body has a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a flow path extending between the first and second ends, and a through bore formed in the body and extending into the flow path. The encapsulation shroud has a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a shroud through bore formed between the first and second ends, and at least one mounting portion. The transducer is insertable through the through bore of the encapsulation shroud and into the through bore of the nozzle adapter. The encapsulation shroud encapsulates the through bore of the nozzle adapter when coupled thereto.

[0009] In accordance with a third aspect, an approach for installing an encapsulation assembly in an injection molding machine having a mold forming a mold cavity, a screw that moves from a first position to a second position, and a nozzle is provided. The injection molding machine is controlled according to an injection cycle. The approach includes coupling a nozzle adapter to the nozzle, where the nozzle adapter defines a body having a first end, a second end, a

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a flow path extending between the first and second ends, and a through bore formed in the body and extending into the flow path. A transducer is inserted through the through bore of the nozzle adapter. An encapsulation shroud is used to encapsulate a portion of the transducer and the through bore of the nozzle adapter. The encapsulation shroud includes a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a shroud through bore formed between the first and second ends, and at least one mounting portion. The encapsulations shroud is coupled to the body of the nozzle adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Some of the figures may have been simplified by the omission of selected elements for the purpose of more clearly showing other elements. Such omissions of elements in some figures are not necessarily indicative of the presence or absence of particular elements in any of the exemplary embodiments, except as may be explicitly delineated in the corresponding written description. None of the drawings are necessarily to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example injection molding machine having an encapsulation assembly coupled thereto in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a first side perspective view of the example encapsulation assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a second side perspective view of the example encapsulation assembly of FIGS. 1 & 2 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the example encapsulation assembly of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 [0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example nozzle adapter of the example encapsulation assembly of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example encapsulation shroud of the example encapsulation assembly of FIGS. 1-4 in a decoupled configuration in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the example encapsulation assembly of FIGS. 1-6 in a partially installed configuration in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and [0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the example encapsulation assembly of FIGS. 1-7 having an example sheathing surrounding a portion of the encapsulation assembly in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] Generally speaking, aspects of the present disclosure include systems and approaches for encapsulating sensing components of an injection molding machine to maintain and ensure their proper working functionality. In these systems and approaches, the sensor (and the requisite sensor port) is substantially and/or entirely protected or encapsulated within an encapsulation shroud that restricts molten plastic from contacting and damaging these components.

[0020] Turning to the drawings, an injection molding machine 100 is herein described. The approaches described herein may be suitable for electric presses, servo-hydraulic presses, hydraulic presses, and other known machines. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the injection molding machine 100 includes an injection unit 102 and a clamping system 104. The injection unit 102 includes a hopper 106 adapted to accept material in the form of pellets 108 or any other suitable form. In many of these examples, the pellets 108 may be a polymer or polymer-based material. Other examples are possible.

[0021] The hopper 106 feeds the pellets 108 into a heated barrel 110 of the injection unit 102. Upon being fed into the heated barrel 110, the pellets 108 may be driven to the end of the heated barrel 110 by a reciprocating screw 112. The heating of the heated barrel 110 and the shearing of the pellets 108 by the reciprocating screw 112 causes the pellets 108 to melt, thereby forming a

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 molten plastic material 114. The molten plastic material 114 is typically processed at a temperature selected within a range of about 130°C to about 4 KFC (with manufacturers of particular polymers typically providing injection molders with recommended temperature ranges for given materials).

[0022] The reciprocating screw 112 advances forward from a first position 112a to a second position 112b and forces the molten plastic material 114 toward a nozzle 116 to form a shot of plastic material that will ultimately be injected into a mold cavity 122 of a mold 118 via one or more gates 120 which direct the flow of the molten plastic material 114 to the mold cavity 122. In other words, the reciprocating screw 112 is driven to exert a force on the molten plastic material 114. In other embodiments, the nozzle 116 may be separated from one or more gates 120 by a feed system (not illustrated). The mold cavity 122 is formed between the first and second mold sides 125, 127 of the mold 118 and the first and second mold sides 125, 127 are held together under pressure via a press or clamping unit 124.

[0023] The press or clamping unit 124 applies a predetermined clamping force during the molding process which is greater than the force exerted by the injection pressure acting to separate the two mold halves 125, 127, thereby holding together the first and second mold sides 125, 127 while the molten plastic material 114 is injected into the mold cavity 122. To support these clamping forces, the clamping system 104 may include a mold frame and a mold base, in addition to any other number of components, such as a tie bar.

[0024] Once the shot of molten plastic material 114 is injected into the mold cavity 122, the reciprocating screw 112 halts forward movement. The molten plastic material 114 takes the form of the mold cavity 122 and cools inside the mold 118 until the plastic material 114 solidifies. Upon solidifying, the press 124 releases the first and second mold sides 125, 127, which are then separated from one another. The finished part may then be ejected from the mold 118. The mold 118 may include any number of mold cavities 122 to increase overall production rates. The shapes and/or designs of the cavities may be identical, similar to, and/or different from each other. For instance, a family mold may include cavities of related component parts intended to mate or otherwise operate with one another. In some forms, an “injection cycle” is defined as of the steps and functions performed between commencement of injection and ejection. Upon

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 completion of the injection cycle, a recovery profile is commenced during which the reciprocating screw 112 returns to the first position 112a.

[0025] The injection molding machine 100 also includes a controller 140 communicatively coupled with the machine 100 via connection 145. The connection 145 may be any type of wired and/or wireless communications protocol adapted to transmit and/or receive electronic signals. In these examples, the controller 140 is in signal communication with at least one sensor, such as, for example, sensor unit 128 located in or near the nozzle 116 and/or a sensor unit 129 located in or near the mold cavity 122. In some examples, the sensor unit 128 is located at a leading end of the screw 112 and the sensor unit 129 is located in a manifold or a runner of the injection machine 100. Alternatively, the sensor unit 128 may be located at any position ahead of the check ring of the screw 112. It is understood that any number of additional real and/or virtual sensor units capable of sensing any number of characteristics of the mold 118 and/or the machine 100 may be used and placed at desired locations of the machine 100. As a further example, any type of sensor capable of detecting flow front progression in the mold cavity 122 may be used.

[0026] The controller 140 can be disposed in a number of positions with respect to the injection molding machine 100. As examples, the controller 140 can be integral with the machine 100, contained in an enclosure that is mounted on the machine, contained in a separate enclosure that is positioned adjacent or proximate to the machine, or can be positioned remote from the machine. In some embodiments, the controller 140 can partially or fully control functions of the machine via wired and/or wired signal communications as known and/or commonly used in the art.

[0027] The sensor unit 128 may include any type of sensor adapted to measure (either directly or indirectly) one or more characteristics of the molten plastic material 114 and/or portions of the machine 100. In the illustrated examples, the sensor unit 128 may include a melt pressure transducer 180 (e.g., a Gefran melt pressure transducer) that measures pressure characteristics of the molten plastic material 114. The sensor unit 128 may or may not be in direct contact with the molten plastic material 114. In some examples, the sensor unit 128 may be adapted to measure any number of characteristics of the injection molding machine 100 and not just those characteristics pertaining to the molten plastic material 114. As an example, the melt pressure transducer 180 may measure a melt pressure (during the injection cycle) and/or a back pressure

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 (during the recovery profile) of the molten plastic material 114 at the nozzle 116. Specific components (e.g., the encapsulation assembly) of the sensor unit 128 will be discussed in further detail below.

[0028] The sensor unit 128 generates a signal which is transmitted to an input of the controller 140. For example, as previously noted, the sensor unit 128 may be programmed to measure a back pressure during a recovery profile. The controller 140 may receive these measurements and may translate the measurements to other characteristics of the molten plastic material 114, such as a viscosity value.

[0029] Similarly, the sensor unit 129 may include any type of sensor adapted to measure (either directly or indirectly) one or more characteristics of the molten plastic material 114 to detect its presence and/or condition in the mold cavity 122. In various embodiments, the sensor 129 may be located at or near an end-of-fill position in the mold cavity 122. The sensor unit 129 may measure any number of characteristics of the molten plastic material 114 and/or the mold cavity 122 that are known in the art, such as pressure, temperature, viscosity, flow rate, hardness, strain, optical characteristics such as translucency, color, light refraction, and/or light reflection, and the like, or any one or more of any number of additional characteristics indicative of these. The sensor unit 129 may or may not be in direct contact with the molten plastic material 114. As an example, the sensor unit 129 may include a pressure transducer that measures a cavity pressure of the molten plastic material 114 within the cavity 122. The sensor unit 129 generates a signal which is transmitted to an input of the controller 140. Any number of additional sensors may be used to sense and/or measure operating parameters.

[0030] The controller 140 is also in signal communication with a screw control 126. In some embodiments, the controller 140 generates a signal which is transmitted from an output of the controller 140 to the screw control 126. The controller 140 can control any number of characteristics of the machine, such as injection pressures (by controlling the screw control 126 to advance the screw 112 at a rate which maintains a desired value corresponding to the molten plastic material 114 in the nozzle 116), barrel temperatures, clamp closing and/or opening speeds, cooling time, inject forward time, overall cycle time, pressure set points, ejection time, screw recovery speed, back pressure values exerted on the screw 112, and screw velocity.

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 [0031] The signal or signals from the controller 140 may generally be used to control operation of the molding process such that variations in material viscosity, mold temperatures, melt temperatures, and other variations influencing filling rate are taken into account by the controller 140. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 140 may make necessary adjustments in order to control for material characteristics such as viscosity. Adjustments may be made by the controller 140 in real time or in near-real time (that is, with a minimal delay between sensor units 128, 129 sensing values and changes being made to the process), or corrections can be made in subsequent cycles. Furthermore, several signals derived from any number of individual cycles may be used as a basis for making adjustments to the molding process. The controller 140 may be connected to the sensor units 128, 129, the screw control 126, and or any other components in the machine 100 via any type of signal communication approach known in the art.

[0032] The controller 140 includes software 141 adapted to control its operation, any number of hardware elements 142 (such as, for example, a non-transitory memory module and/or processors), any number of inputs 143, any number of outputs 144, and any number of connections 145. The software 141 may be loaded directly onto a non-transitory memory module of the controller 140 in the form of a non-transitory computer readable medium, or may alternatively be located remotely from the controller 140 and be in communication with the controller 140 via any number of controlling approaches. The software 141 includes logic, commands, and/or executable program instructions which may contain logic and/or commands for controlling the injection molding machine 100 according to a mold cycle. The software 141 may or may not include an operating system, an operating environment, an application environment, and/or a user interface.

[0033] The hardware 142 uses the inputs 143 to receive signals, data, and information from the injection molding machine being controlled by the controller 140. The hardware 142 uses the outputs 144 to send signals, data, and/or other information to the injection molding machine. The connection 145 represents a pathway through which signals, data, and information can be transmitted between the controller 140 and its injection molding machine 100. In various embodiments this pathway may be a physical connection or a non-physical communication link that works analogous to a physical connection, direct or indirect, configured in any way described herein or known in the art. In various embodiments, the controller 140 can be configured in any additional or alternate way known in the art.

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 [0034] The connection 145 represents a pathway through which signals, data, and information can be transmitted between the controller 140 and the injection molding machine 100. In various embodiments, these pathways may be physical connections or non-physical communication links that work analogously to either direct or indirect physical connections configured in any way described herein or known in the art. In various embodiments, the controller 140 can be configured in any additional or alternate way known in the art.

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 2-8, the sensor unit 128 includes an encapsulation assembly 150 having a nozzle adapter 151, an encapsulation shroud 160, and a transducer 180. The nozzle adapter 151 is adapted to be coupled to the nozzle 116 in operation of the machine 100 and defines a body 152 having a first end 152a, a second end 152b, and a longitudinal length 152c extending between the first and second ends 152a, 152b. Further, the nozzle adapter 151 has a channel 154 defining a flow path 155 that extends between the first and second ends 152a, 152b to allow for molten plastic material 114 to flow therethrough in order to enter into the mold cavity 122.

[0036] The nozzle adapter 151 further includes a nozzle port or through bore 156 formed in the body 152 that extends into the flow path 155 which may be disposed on a flanged portion 158 to assist in drilling and/or forming the nozzle port 156. The nozzle adapter 151 additionally includes at least one threaded mounting bore 159 that is also disposed on the flanged portion 158. In the illustrated example, the nozzle body 152 is generally cylindrical in shape, while the flanged portion 158 is generally hexagonal in shape. Other examples of suitable shapes and or configurations of the nozzle adapter 151 are possible.

[0037] The encapsulation shroud 160 is operably coupled to the nozzle body 152 and has a first end 160a, a second end 160b, a longitudinal length 160c extending between the first and second ends, a shroud through bore 164 formed between the first and second ends 160a, 160b, and at least one mounting portion 167. The encapsulation shroud 160 may be constructed from any number of materials, such as, for example, stainless steel or other metallic materials. In the illustrated example, the encapsulation shroud 160 is in the form of a first or lower clamshell portion 162 and a second or upper clamshell portion 163 that combine to formed a generally Lshaped component.

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 [0038] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the lower and upper clamshell portions 162, 163 have a respective groove 162a, 163a, that, when the lower and upper clamshell portions 162, 163 are coupled to each-other, define the shroud through bore 164. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the mounting portion 167 is in the form of a lower bore 162b formed in the lower clamshell portion 162 and an upper bore 163b formed in the upper clamshell portion 163. In some examples, because the lower and upper bores 162b, 163b are not threaded and thus rely on a friction-fit connection, there is no need for “timing” of such a thread within the bore. The lower and upper clamshell portions 162, 163 are clamped between the head of the fastener and the facing surface of the flanged portion 158. The upper and lower bores 162b, 163b are axially aligned when coupled together to accommodate a mounting screw 168 that secures the upper and lower clamshell portions 162, 163 to each other when threaded into the mounting bore 159. The mounting bore 159 of the nozzle adapter 151 is also axially aligned with the upper and lower bores 162b, 163b to accommodate the screw 168, thereby securing the encapsulation shroud 160 to the nozzle adapter 151. While the illustrated example depicts two mounting portions 167 and corresponding mounting bores 159, any number of mounting portions 167 and mounting bores 159 may be used.

[0039] In some approaches, installing the encapsulation assembly 150 may include coupling the nozzle adapter 151 to the nozzle 116 using any number of approaches. For example, the nozzle adapter 151 may threadably and/or frictionally engage the nozzle 116. In these examples, the flow path 155 of the nozzle adapter 151 may be collinear with the flow path of the nozzle 116. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the transducer 180 is inserted into the nozzle port 156, which may be threaded so as to require the transducer 180 to be threadably inserted therein, and the lower clamshell portion 162 is positioned against the flanged portion 158 of the nozzle adapter 151 such that the transducer 180 is at least partially contained within the lower groove 162a. The upper clamshell portion 163 is also positioned against the flanged portion 158 of the nozzle adapter such that the transducer 180 and the nozzle port 156 are encapsulated by the shroud 160. In other words, the lower and upper clamshell portions 162, 163 cooperate to form the shroud through bore 164 which accommodates the transducer 180.

[0040] The mounting portions 167 of the shroud 160 are aligned with the mounting bores 159 on the nozzle adapter 151, and the mounting screws 168 are threaded into the upper bore 163b, the lower bore 162b, and the mounting bore(s) 159 to secure the shroud 160 to the nozzle adapter

2018102109 21 Dec 2018

151. In the illustrated embodiment, a first mounting portion 167a is used to couple the upper clamshell portion 163b to the lower clamshell portion 162a and the nozzle adapter 151, while a second mounting portion 167b is used to couple the upper clamshell portion 163b directly to the nozzle adapter 151. In some examples, the nozzle adapter 151 and/or the shroud 160 may include additional alignment features (e.g., an alignment pin and corresponding hole or opening) to ensure the shroud 160 is properly aligned with the nozzle adapter 151. Additional cabling may be affixed to the transducer 180 to couple the transducer to the controller 140.

[0041] In some approaches, to further ensure the transducer 180 remains positioned within the nozzle port 156 and does not back out therefrom upon experiencing high pressures, a securing member such as a set screw 169 may be threaded into a set screw bore 170 to abut against the transducer 180. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the set screw 169 is configured to abut the transducer 180 at a mounting nut 182 (as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7).

[0042] The shroud through bore 164 is dimensioned such that the first end 160a of the shroud 160 forms a seal with the nozzle port 156. In some examples, the first end 160a of the shroud 160 may additionally define a flange or lip that partially inserts into the nozzle port 156 to further enhance the sealing effectiveness of the shroud 160. Additionally, in some examples, prior to positioning the lower and/or upper clamshell portions 162, 163, a sealing compound (e.g., a silicone sealant) may be placed on one or both of the lower and upper clamshell portions 162, 163 to provide for additional sealing and protection of the encapsulation assembly 150.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a sheathing 184 may be applied to the transducer 180 to allow non-polymeric materials to be applied for protection against molten plastic material 114. This sheathing may be constructed from any number of polymeric materials such as a reactive silicone polymer material. Other examples are possible.

[0044] Advantageously, in the event that molten plastic 114 does flow beyond the flow path 155 and into the nozzle port 156, when the sensor 180 is fully seated and/or when the set screw 169 is engaged to prevent the mounting nut 182 from unthreading (which would lead to unseating of the sensor), the material is prevented from flowing upwards through the bore 156. Additionally, in the event that the molten plastic material 114 does flow beyond the flow path 155, the material 114 may be quickly and easily removed from the encapsulation shroud 160 upon the molten plastic 114 cooling, and will not damage the transducer 180. Further, in

2018102109 21 Dec 2018 applications where the sheathing 184 is applied, the transducer 180 is additionally protected from damage. The above-described approaches may be used in the formation of any number of different molded parts constructed from a variety of materials such as, for example silicone and metal parts.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

[0046] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s). The systems and methods described herein are directed to an improvement to computer functionality, and improve the functioning of conventional computers.

Claims (5)

1. An encapsulation assembly for an injection molding machine, the encapsulation assembly comprising:

a nozzle adapter defining a body having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a flow path extending between the first and second ends, and a through bore formed in the body and extending into the flow path;

an encapsulation shroud operably coupled to the body of the nozzle adapter, the encapsulation shroud having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal length extending between the first and second ends, a shroud through bore formed between the first and second ends, and at least one mounting portion; and a transducer adapted to be inserted through the through bore of the encapsulation shroud and into the through bore of the nozzle adapter;

wherein the encapsulation shroud is adapted to encapsulate the through bore of the nozzle adapter when the encapsulation shroud is coupled to the nozzle adapter.

2. The encapsulation assembly of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation shroud comprises an upper clamshell portion and a lower clamshell portion that, when coupled together, define the shroud through bore.

3. The encapsulation assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one mounting portion comprises an opening formed in the encapsulation shroud that is adapted to accommodate a screw to secure the encapsulation shroud to the body of the nozzle adapter.

4. The encapsulation assembly of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a securing member operably coupled to the encapsulation shroud to limit movement of the transducer.

5. The encapsulation assembly of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising a sheathing adapted to surround a portion of the transducer.