Bottle Preform Heating Cavity to Prevent Handle Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottle preform heating apparatuses deform the handle during heating, preventing smooth insertion into a bottle blowing mold.

Innovation Solution

A bottle preform heating apparatus with a cavity design that separates the preform tube from the handle, using heating lamps and insulation to prevent deformation, and includes cooling mechanisms to maintain optimal temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the bottle preform is heated as a whole, then the heating process is simple, but the handle is deformed and the preform cannot be inserted into the blowing mold smoothly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating process complexityVSAvoidhandle shape precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device divides the preform into two distinct heating zones: the handle region and the bottle body region. The handle region is equipped with independent heating elements and temperature control, allowing separate heating of the handle from the bottle body. This segmentation enables precise control of handle temperature and shape while heating the bottle body, resolving the contradiction between simple heating process and handle shape precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the handle is heated together with the preform, then the heating operation is convenient, but the handle deformation prevents smooth insertion into the mold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating operation convenienceVSAvoidhandle shape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device implements local quality control by providing different heating conditions for different regions of the preform. The handle region has dedicated heating elements with controlled temperature and duration, while the bottle body region has separate heating parameters. This local differentiation maintains handle shape stability while enabling convenient operation through automated regional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform heating is applied to the entire preform, then the heating process is straightforward, but the handle deforms and cannot be inserted into the blowing mold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating process simplicityVSAvoidpreform insertability into mold
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating apparatus segments the preform into handle and bottle body regions with independent heating control. Each region can be heated to different temperatures and for different durations, allowing the handle to maintain its shape while the bottle body is prepared for molding. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between heating process simplicity and preform insertability reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables smooth insertion of the preform into the blowing mold by preventing handle deformation and ensuring uniform heating of the preform tube while maintaining handle integrity.

Implementation Method 1

using heating lamps and insulation to prevent deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

using heating lamps and insulation to prevent deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

includes cooling mechanisms to maintain optimal temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP4205945B1Bottle preform heating apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 GUANGZHOU TECH LONG PACKAGING MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP4205945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4205945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4205945B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a bottle preform heating apparatus. The apparatus includes a cavity, a top cover and multiple heating lamps. A first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity are formed in the cavity. The first receiving cavity is cylindrical. The second receiving cavity is connected to a side surface of the first receiving cavity. Each heating lamp includes a lamp tube and a lamp base. The lamp tube includes an arc portion and two connection portions. An end of each connection portion is connected to the lamp base. Another end of the each connection portion is connected to an end of the arc portion. The arc portion is disposed in the first receiving cavity. The two connection portions and the lamp base are disposed in the second receiving cavity. The top cover is disposed on top of the cavity. The top cover is provided with a first through hole. A preform tube of a bottle preform is configured to pass through the first through hole so as to be inserted into the first receiving cavity and surrounded by the arc portion. The radius of the first receiving cavity is less than the distance between an end of a handle of the bottle preform facing away from the preform tube and the central axis of the preform tube.