Blow Mold Base Cooling Layout for Faster Container Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blow molds in high-performance blow molding machines are inadequate for the increased production rates and reduced cooling times required when container production and downstream processing are integrated into a single machine, leading to insufficient heat dissipation from containers, particularly affecting the stability of carbonated beverage containers.

Innovation Solution

The blow mold incorporates secondary cooling channels arranged radially inward between primary cooling channels and a collecting channel, with a swirl body at the central channel end to enhance heat transfer, and uses a plastic sleeve to minimize condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If production rate is increased by integrating container production and downstream processing into a single machine, then productivity improves, but cooling time becomes insufficient leading to inadequate heat dissipation from containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction rateVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels (central channel, primary cooling channels, secondary cooling channels, and collecting channel) that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows different zones of the mold to be cooled independently and efficiently, maximizing heat dissipation within the reduced dwell time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling fluid flow path is extended from a simple linear path to a multi-dimensional radial pattern. Primary cooling channels extend radially outward from the central channel, while secondary cooling channels extend radially inward toward the collecting channel. This radial arrangement in multiple dimensions increases the total cooling surface area and improves heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If active cooling systems are added to dissipate heat, then temperature control improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidcooling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cooling functions are merged into a single integrated cooling system. The central channel, primary cooling channels, secondary cooling channels, and collecting channel work together as one unified system, eliminating the need for separate cooling mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling fluid performs multiple functions within the same system: it cools the mold surface directly through the primary cooling channels, provides additional cooling through the secondary cooling channels, and collects heat from all zones through the centralized collecting channel. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If cooling fluid is directed away from mold surface by discharge channels, then heat dissipation improves, but fluid flow efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidfluid flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of directly directing cooling fluid away from the mold surface through discharge channels, the system uses secondary cooling channels that extend radially inward toward the collecting channel. This inverted approach allows the cooling fluid to pass close to the mold surface a second time for additional heat dissipation while naturally flowing toward the collecting channel, improving both heat dissipation and flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances heat dissipation from the mold surface, allowing faster stabilization of containers, improving production rates and reducing the need for post-cooling processes.

Implementation Method 1

a piping system for a cooling fluid for cooling the mold surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the piping system has a central channel for supplying the cooling fluid, several primary cooling channels branching off from the central channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4408640B1Blow mould, base mould and blow-moulding machine
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KHS GMBH
  • EP4408640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4408640B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4408640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a blow mould (10) for producing containers in a blow-moulding or stretch-blowing process with a base mould (4) and two mould halves (12, 12') which together define a mould contour for the vessel, wherein the base mould (14) comprises a mould surface (22) for defining a section of the mould contour and a line system for a cooling fluid for cooling the mould surface (22), wherein the line system has a central channel (30) for feeding in the cooling fluid, a plurality of primary cooling channels (32) which branch off from the central channel and run in the vicinity of the mould surface (22) from the central channel (30) radially outwards, and a collecting channel (38) which is flow-connected to the primary cooling channels (32) for collecting and discharging the cooling fluid. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the blow mould (10) is developed by virtue of the fact that, furthermore, the cooling system has a plurality of secondary cooling channels (36) which are arranged between the primary cooling channels (32) and the collecting channel (38) in the flow direction of the cooling fluid and run in the vicinity of the mould surface (22) radially inwards. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the blow mould (10) is developed by virtue of the fact that a swirl body (50) with a flow-modifying surface is arranged at that end of the central channel (30) which faces the mould surface (22).