Packaging Tube Closure Compression Molding Without Injection Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing methods for packaging tube closures, particularly those using injection molding, face challenges in producing varied material thicknesses, require high energy consumption, and result in visible injection points that affect appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compression molding process is employed to produce packaging tube closures with varying material thicknesses and integrated components, allowing for a single-step production of the closure and tube body connection, while minimizing energy use and eliminating visible injection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If injection molding is used to produce packaging tube closures, then complex geometries and different shapes can be achieved, but visible injection points appear that impair appearance and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental processing parameter from injection molding to compression molding. This parameter change eliminates the injection point defect while maintaining the ability to produce complex geometries through the compression molding process with multi-part tooling.
2Ease of manufacture
If injection molding is used to produce packaging tube closures, then various shapes can be manufactured, but significantly more energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing process parameter from injection molding to compression molding, which operates at lower pressures and temperatures, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining manufacturing capability for various closure shapes and configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same tool is used to produce varied material thicknesses, then product variation and barrier adaptation are enabled, but this requires a versatile manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using compression molding with multi-part tooling that can vary material thickness in different regions of the closure. This allows localized adaptation of barrier properties and structural characteristics while maintaining a unified manufacturing process.
4Use of energy by moving object
If compression molding is used instead of injection molding, then less energy is required and material thickness can be varied, but the process must simultaneously attach tube body to closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate operations - closure production and tube body attachment - into a single compression molding process. The multi-part tooling is designed to form the closure and simultaneously attach the tube body flange, eliminating a separate welding or joining step and improving productivity.
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 method enables cost-effective, versatile production with improved process control, seamless integration of the tube body, and enhanced aesthetic and functional properties by eliminating visible injection points and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
shaping the packaging tube closure by bringing a second mold part of the shaping tool towards the first mold part in such a way that the material dose is distributed in a cavity formed between the mold parts
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the molded parts of the molding tool is resiliently mounted in the compression direction by means of associated spring means and is further advantageously prestressed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a packaging tube closure consisting of a cap element (2) with a shoulder region (3) and a lid element (4) which is movable relative to it via a hinge (5), which are formed in one piece, comprising the steps of: - providing a shaping tool for a compression molding process, preferably comprising a first and a second mold part (A, B), - applying and/or introducing a material dose into a first mold part of the shaping tool, - shaping the packaging tube closure (1) by bringing a second mold part (A) of the shaping tool towards the first mold part (B) in such a way that the material dose is distributed in a cavity formed between the mold parts, in particular for the integral formation of the cap element (2), hinge (5) and lid element (4), and - solidifying and preferably subsequently removing the shaped packaging tube closure (1).