Blow Mould Body With Variable Cooling Channels for Uniform Temperatures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blow molding processes, particularly extrusion blow molding, result in uneven temperature distribution within the molded parts, leading to stress and deformation upon removal from the mold, especially in areas like the neck and shoulder, which affects the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mold body with strategically designed cooling channels that vary in cross-section, flow velocity, and positioning to evenly distribute heat across different regions of the mold cavity, utilizing additive manufacturing to create complex channel configurations that adapt to the mold's contours and ensure uniform temperature distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional cooling channels are used in blow molding, then the mold can be cooled, but uneven temperature distribution occurs in the molded part causing stress and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distribution uniformityVSAvoidmolded part dimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channel system is designed with varying cross-sectional areas at different locations to provide localized cooling intensity. The cross-sectional area is increased in regions that require more cooling (such as areas with higher heat generation or thicker sections) and decreased in regions requiring less cooling, thereby achieving uniform temperature distribution across the molded part and preventing stress and deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If cooling channels are added to the mold body, then temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidmold structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are designed with variable cross-sectional areas rather than uniform dimensions. By changing the geometric parameter (cross-sectional area) along the length of the cooling channels, the system achieves more effective temperature control in different regions of the mold body, improving overall cooling efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple structural concept.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the cooling channel cross-section is varied, then temperature distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the cooling channels increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat extraction uniformityVSAvoidcooling channel fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channel system incorporates dynamic variation in cross-sectional area to adapt to the thermal requirements at different locations within the mold. This dynamic geometric adaptation allows the cooling system to optimize heat extraction efficiency across varying thermal zones, achieving more uniform temperature distribution in the molded part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for the production of molded parts with minimal temperature gradients, reducing stress and deformation, enabling faster cycle times and improved product quality by ensuring uniform material properties across the molded part.

Implementation Method 1

Since plastic is a poor conductor of heat, the blow mold must cool the plastic container sufficiently at the end of the blowing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The at least one cooling channel is arranged in the mold body such that it extracts or supplies more heat to a first region of the inner wall than to a second region of the inner wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4267369B1Mould body for a blow mould, and blow mould
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER
  • EP4267369B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4267369B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4267369B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a mould body (10) for a blow mould (1). The mould body (10) comprises a bottom region (14), a shoulder region (13), a central region (15) and a separating plane (12). At least one mould cavity (11) having an inner wall (111) is situated in the mould body (10). At least one temperature control channel (30) is arranged in the mould body (10). The at least one temperature control channel (30) is situated and/or positioned in the mould body (10) in such a way as to remove more heat from or to supply more heat to a first region (112) of the inner wall (111) than a second region (113) of the inner wall (111) that is adjacent to the first region (112).