Blow Mold Element Positioning for Recessed Grip Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blow molding processes struggle to produce containers with effective recessed grips that allow for safe and comfortable manual handling, especially for larger containers, as the recessed grips produced by current methods do not provide sufficient grip security for heavier containers.

Innovation Solution

The use of a lever-like actuating device that positions a mold element pneumatically, allowing for the deformation of the container bladder to create recessed grips during the blow molding process, enabling the formation of contours that cannot be achieved through traditional blow molding and enhancing grip security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional blow molding processes are used, then the production process is simple, but the grip security for heavier containers is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip securityVSAvoidblow molding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blow mold is divided into multiple independent mold elements (at least one movable mold element and at least one stationary mold element) that can be positioned at different locations within the mold cavity. This segmentation allows the creation of multiple recessed grips at different positions on the container, improving grip security for heavier containers while maintaining a relatively simple overall process structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

At least one mold element is made movable and can be positioned at different locations within the mold cavity using a positioning device. This dynamic capability allows the mold elements to be moved to specific positions to create recessed grips in optimal locations on the container, enhancing grip security without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If recessed grips are formed using existing methods, then the container can be produced, but the grip security for manual handling is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual handlingVSAvoidgrip security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Mold elements are positioned at specific locations within the mold cavity to create recessed grips at optimal positions on the container (such as the longitudinal sides or upper half). This localized feature creation improves manual handling and grip security by providing specific grip points exactly where they are most effective for lifting and carrying containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the container surface by creating recessed grips that extend into the container wall. These three-dimensional recessed features provide tactile feedback and mechanical interlocking with fingers, significantly improving grip security compared to smooth surfaces, especially for heavier containers.

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

3Reliability

If multiple mold elements are positioned to create recessed grips, then grip security is improved, but the positioning system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip securityVSAvoidpositioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is designed to control multiple mold elements simultaneously or independently, allowing a single positioning system to create multiple recessed grips at different locations on the container. This multi-functional approach improves grip security through multiple grip points while avoiding the need for separate positioning systems for each mold element, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2321110B1Method and apparatus for blow molding receptacles
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 KHS CORPOPLAST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2321110B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2321110B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2321110B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for blow molding receptacles. A parison is shaped within a blow mold by applying blow pressure into the receptacle following a thermal conditioning process. The blow mold is mounted on a support. In the area of the blow mold, at least one molding element is placed in an interior enclosed by the blow mold in a closed state of the blowing station once the blowing process has started in such a way that a receptacle bubble created from the parison is deformed.