Blow molded part including compression molded element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blow-molding processes are limited in incorporating compression molded elements, as they can only be oriented and located parallel to the parting line of the blow-molded structure, restricting their configuration and placement within the structure.
Innovation Solution
The integration of movable tool components within the blow-molding process allows for the creation of compression molded elements that can be located anywhere in the structure, including non-parallel orientations, using a tool with dynamic and static compression elements that define a gap for forming the elements during the molding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional compression molded elements are used in blow-molded structures, then the elements can be formed with simple tooling, but the elements are limited to orientations parallel to the parting line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the compression element movable relative to the mold half rather than fixed. The compression element can be positioned at various locations and orientations within the mold cavity by moving it along with the tool, enabling compression molded elements to be formed at non-parallel orientations to the parting line while still using conventional mold structures.
2Device complexity
If compression molded elements are limited to parallel orientations with the parting line, then the molding process remains simple, but the location and configuration of elements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element is designed to be movable rather than fixed to the mold half. This allows the compression element to be repositioned to different locations and orientations within the mold cavity during the molding process, enabling greater flexibility in element placement without significantly increasing overall process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary between the fixed mold structure and the compression element. The tool carries the movable compression element into the mold cavity and positions it relative to the parison, mediating between the static mold and the dynamic positioning requirements for creating compression molded elements at various orientations.
3Device complexity
If a fixed compression element is used in the mold, then the tooling structure is simple, but the compression molded element cannot be positioned freely within the blow-molded structure
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element is made movable relative to the mold half and is positioned by the tool rather than being fixed in the mold. This dynamic arrangement allows precise positioning of the compression element at various locations and orientations within the mold cavity while keeping the tooling structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool serves as an intermediary that carries and positions the compression element within the mold cavity. This allows precise control over the location and orientation of the compression element relative to the parison, achieving accurate element placement without requiring complex fixed tooling structures in the mold itself.
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
This approach enables the creation of blow-molded structures with integral compression molded elements that can be positioned freely within the structure, enhancing flexibility and strength by allowing for solid, non-hollow constructions and varied configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the compression elements can be configured and arranged so that one of the compression elements is movable relative to the other compression element, and the compression elements collectively define a gap into which plastic inside the mold can be deposited
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a method includes positioning a tool in a mold, forming a parison of melted plastic, closing the mold around the parison and tool such that part of the tool is positioned between a portion of the mold and the parison, creating a blow molded structure by inflating the parison so that the melted plastic comes into contact with an interior portion of the mold and into contact with the tool, and after the mold is closed, operating the tool to form an integral compression molded element within the mold, and a parting line formed by the mold in the blow molded structure forms no part of the integral compression molded element.