Blow Mold Assembly Neck Insert Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mold assemblies for blow molding containers require significant time to replace neck insert mold components, which interrupts production when switching between different closure types, due to the need for tools to remove and install fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A blow mold assembly with manually operable retention devices, such as toggle mechanisms and clamp mechanisms, that allow for the easy installation and removal of neck insert mold components without tools, reducing the time required for replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners are used to retain neck insert mold components, then the neck insert mold components are securely retained in the mold assembly, but the time required to replace neck insert mold components increases due to the need for tools to remove and install fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastener retention mechanism and replaces it with a snap-fit retention system. The neck insert mold component includes protrusions that engage with recesses in the mold assembly, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and enabling tool-free removal and installation while maintaining secure retention during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different retention characteristics to different parts of the neck insert mold component. The protrusions provide strong retention during blow molding operations, while the same protrusions enable easy release when production interruption occurs for changing closure types, allowing the system to adapt its retention quality based on operational context
2Reliability
If tool-based fastener systems are used, then secure retention of neck insert mold components is achieved, but production time is lost during closure type switching due to tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The neck insert mold component is designed with self-retaining protrusions that automatically engage with the mold assembly without requiring external fasteners or tools. During normal operation, the protrusions securely hold the component in place. When production interruption occurs for closure type switching, the component can be manually removed by simply pulling it out, enabling rapid replacement and maintaining production continuity
Data Source
AI summary
A blow mold assembly is disclosed having removable neck insert mold components for forming features of a container for engaging a removable container closure and manually operable retention devices for releasably retaining the neck insert mold components with mating mold components of the mold assembly. Advantageously, each manually operable retention device includes a clamp mechanism movable between a release position and a clamp position by manual operation and the clamp mechanism is effective to resist forces acting on the clamp to move the clamp to a release position when the clamp is in the clamp position. Each manually operable retention device is retained with an associated mating mold component when a neck insert mold component is removed from or installed to the mold assembly.