Multivariate shrinkage sensor (MVSS) for injection molding

An injection molding quality sensing device, comprising:

• an elongated plunger in communication with a cavity defined by an interior volume of a mold, the elongated plunger having a distal end in communication with the cavity and a proximate end responsive to a biasing force;
• a magnetic source and a pressure sensor attached to the proximate end of the plunger for movement with the plunger;
• a position sensor responsive to the magnetic source for detecting a movement of the plunger based on displacement of the distal end from shrinkage of an injected melt contained in the cavity, the position sensor affixed adjacent to a travel path and movement of the plunger and in magnetic communication with the magnetic source for generating the displacement signal;
• and
• an analysis circuit responsive to the position sensor for receiving at least:
• the displacement signal, the displacement signal indicative of a distance traveled by the plunger during an injection stage for filling the mold and a cooling stage defined by a contraction of a molded material in the filled mold;
• a pressure signal from the pressure sensor indicative of a fluidic pressure of the injected melt;
• a melt temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the injected melt;
• and
• generating a validation signal for a molded article in the mold.