Aseptic Transfer Bead Geometry for Sterilization Fluid Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blow molded plastic containers with transfer beads face challenges in ensuring complete penetration and removal of sterilization fluid during the aseptic packaging process, leading to potential contamination of beverages.

Innovation Solution

The design of a plastic container with a neck portion featuring a transfer bead defined by angled annular portions, allowing for greater accessibility and ease of sterilization fluid application and removal, includes a first upper annular portion with a greater angle than a second lower annular portion, and an outer annular portion parallel to the central axis, enhancing the aseptic packaging process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional transfer bead is formed by bending the inner portion of the neck wall outwardly, then the transfer bead provides a purchase location for handling equipment, but the sterilization fluid cannot fully penetrate into the entire depth of the passage and becomes trapped

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of passage for sterilization fluidVSAvoidadequacy of sterilization fluid removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional transfer bead geometry by making the outer surface concave rather than convex, and angles the inner surface to create a passage that opens upward. This inversion allows sterilization fluid to easily penetrate and drain from the passage, resolving the trapping issue while maintaining the handling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the transfer bead, specifically angling the inner surface at 30-60 degrees relative to the horizontal plane and creating a concave outer surface. These parameter changes transform the passage from an inaccessible dead end to an open channel that facilitates complete sterilization fluid penetration and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the inner portion of the neck wall is bent outwardly to form a transfer bead, then the transfer bead functionality is achieved, but the passage becomes relatively thin and narrow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer bead formation in blow molding processVSAvoidaccessibility of passage for sterilization fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of bending the inner wall outward to create a convex bead, the patent inverts the approach by creating a concave outer surface and angling the inner surface. This maintains the transfer bead's handling functionality while creating a wider, more accessible passage for sterilization fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular orientation in a new dimension by slanting the inner surface at 30-60 degrees. This dimensional change transforms the passage from a narrow horizontal channel to an inclined channel that facilitates fluid access and drainage, solving the accessibility problem without compromising manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9120590B2Aseptic transfer bead for plastic containers

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 GRAHAM PACKAGING CO LP

AI summary

A plastic container includes a neck with an opening to an interior of the container, where the neck opening having a first diameter and a second diameter of different lengths. A shoulder portion surrounds the neck of the plastic container. A transfer bead is located on the neck above the shoulder portion where the first diameter of the neck opening is above the transfer bead and the second diameter is below the transfer bead. The transfer bead is advantageously shaped and sized so as to facilitate application and removal of a sterilization solution during the aseptic packaging process.