Composite Preform Blow Molding for Regional Barrier Functions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biaxial stretch blow molding methods for plastic containers lack the ability to impart diverse functions or characteristics to different parts of the container, such as the trunk and bottom, beyond material changes.

Innovation Solution

A composite container and preform design that integrates a plastic member with a colored layer and/or print layer, which is attached to the outer surface of the container body and inflated through blow molding, allowing for specific functional enhancements like gas barrier, UV protection, and aesthetic designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional biaxial stretch blow molding method is used to merely mold a preform into the shape of a container, then the manufacturing process is simple, but various functions or characteristics (e.g., barrier properties or heat retaining properties) cannot be given to different parts of the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional characteristicsVSAvoidmolding process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into different regions (trunk part, bottom part, etc.) with distinct plastic members applied to each region. This allows each part to have different functional characteristics (e.g., barrier properties, heat retaining properties, grip enhancement) while using a single molding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different plastic members with specific properties are applied to different parts of the container. For example, a plastic member with barrier properties is applied to the trunk part, while another with heat retaining properties is applied to the bottom part, giving each region its optimal local characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the material included in the preform is changed to give various functions or characteristics to the container, then functional properties can be improved, but it is difficult to give different functions or characteristics to different parts (e.g., trunk part and bottom part) of the container

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional characteristicsVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using different materials throughout the entire preform, the invention segments the container into different regions and applies specific plastic members to each region. This allows different functions to be assigned to different parts without complicating the overall material selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite structures by combining the base preform material with additional plastic members. Each plastic member can have different properties (barrier, heat retaining, grip enhancement), creating a composite container with multiple functions while keeping the base material simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a plastic member with colored layer and/or print layer is added to the container, then aesthetic designs and specific functions can be enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic and functional enhancementVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functional and aesthetic requirements into a single plastic member that is applied to the container. The plastic member includes both the colored layer and print layer integrated with the functional properties, eliminating the need for separate aesthetic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic member is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers (including colored layer and print layer) that provide both aesthetic appearance and functional characteristics. This integrated composite approach reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 tailored functional and aesthetic enhancements to specific parts of the container, such as improved gas barrier, UV protection, and enhanced grip, while maintaining recyclability and reducing material thickness.

Implementation Method 1

the plastic member preferably has a function of contracting with respect to the container body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

the container body and the plastic member are integrally inflated by means of blow molding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure expansion: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12459698B2Composite preform, composite container, composite preform, plastic member, and method for producing composite container

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD

AI summary

A composite container which can be given various functions and characteristics; a method for producing such composite container; a preform; and a composite preform. A composite container according to the present invention that includes a container body which is made of a plastic material; and a plastic member disposed on the outer surface of the container body, wherein the container body and the plastic member are integrally inflated by means of blow molding, and wherein the plastic member includes a colored layer and/or a print layer where a print is made.