Beverage Container Dual Flange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collapsible plastic beer kegs face issues with flange damage during blow-moulding, filling, and capping processes, leading to potential leakage and mounting problems in beverage dispensing systems due to the high stress on the flange from the weight of the filled keg.
Innovation Solution
The use of two flanges on the beverage container, where the second flange is used during blow-moulding, filling, and capping, and the first flange remains undamaged and protected for secure dispensing, ensuring a smooth and clean surface for sealing and mounting in the dispensing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single flange is used on the preform mouth, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the flange becomes damaged during blow-moulding and filling processes leading to leakage and mounting problems
Solution Approach 1:
The single flange is divided into two separate flanges: a first flange for blow-moulding and filling operations, and a second flange for dispensing system mounting. This segmentation allows each flange to be optimized for its specific function, preventing the damage that occurs when one flange must perform multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of the first flange (mounting in dispensing system) is extracted and transferred to the second flange. The first flange is dedicated solely to manufacturing processes where it can be easily replaced if damaged, while the second flange remains intact for reliable dispensing system mounting.
2Device complexity
If the flange is used for both manufacturing processes and dispensing system mounting, then the device complexity is low, but the flange surface becomes dirty and deformed compromising sealing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure is segmented into two distinct flanges with separate functions. The first flange handles manufacturing processes where surface contamination is acceptable, while the second flange is dedicated to sealing applications requiring clean, undamaged surfaces for reliable mounting in dispensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the mouth structure are given different qualities: the first flange is positioned and designed to withstand manufacturing stresses, while the second flange is positioned and designed with protected, clean surfaces specifically for sealing and mounting operations where high precision is required.
3Productivity
If the preform is blow-moulded and filled in sequence, then the production efficiency is high, but the flange deteriorates during these processes making later mounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mouth structure is segmented into two flanges that can be independently positioned at different heights. The first flange is positioned to engage with blow-moulding and filling equipment, while the second flange is positioned higher to remain clear of these processes, ensuring it stays undamaged for subsequent dispensing system mounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first flange is preliminarily positioned and designed to handle the blow-moulding and filling processes, absorbing the wear and potential damage from these operations. This preliminary action protects the second flange from deterioration, ensuring it remains suitable for its later mounting function.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 1f
Figure 1g~1i
AI summary
A method of producing a beverage container for containing a carbonized beverage, the method comprises the steps of providing a preform (20) having a specific shape encompassing an outer wall defining an elongated body (30) having a first end and a second end, the first end being closed and the second end being open and constituting a mouth (22), and further encompassing a first flange (24) encircling the outer wall at the mouth part at a first distance from the mouth end, and still further encompassing a second flange (26) encircling the outer wall of the mouth at a second distance from the mouth end. The method further comprises the steps of mounting the preform in a blow-moulding system, fixating the preform relating to the blow-moulding system by means of the second flange without significantly contacting the first flange, blow-moulding the preform into the beverage container while maintaining the preform in the blow-moulding system by means of the second flange and preventing mechanically contacting or influencing the first flange and having the first flange for fixating and sealing the beverage container in a beverage dispensing device.