Compression Moulding Multi-Layer Dispensing Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing dispensing parts for containers are inefficient, requiring long production times and complex processes, which also make recycling difficult due to the separation challenges of multi-layer structures.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the compression moulding of a parallelepiped-shaped dose of polymeric material, which is simpler to produce and handle, allowing for the simultaneous shaping of multiple layers into a dispensing part with a multi-layer structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate pre-worked elements and simplifying recycling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two pre-worked head elements are produced separately and assembled to form the dispensing part, then the dispensing part can be made with multi-layer structure having gas barrier properties, but the production time increases and recycling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas barrier propertiesVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the production of multiple layers into a single compression moulding process. Instead of producing separate pre-worked elements and assembling them, the invention forms the complete multi-layer dispensing part in one step by compression moulding a multi-layer dose, eliminating assembly operations and reducing production time while maintaining the gas barrier properties through the multi-layer structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If two pre-worked head elements are produced separately with minimum thickness for handling, then each element has sufficient structure strength, but the quantity of polymeric material increases making recycling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure strengthVSAvoidquantity of polymeric material

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By combining all layers into a single integrated dispensing part produced in one compression moulding step, the invention eliminates the need for excessive material quantity required when producing separate pre-worked elements. The multi-layer dose is shaped simultaneously, allowing optimal thickness distribution that maintains structural strength while minimizing total material usage for easier recycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single-layer structure is used for the dispensing part, then the production process is simplified, but the gas barrier properties are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction process complexityVSAvoidgas barrier properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite multi-layer polymeric materials that combine different materials with complementary properties. The multi-layer dose comprises layers with different gas barrier characteristics, where at least one layer provides enhanced gas barrier properties. This composite structure maintains production simplicity through single-step compression moulding while achieving superior gas barrier performance compared to single-layer structures

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

This approach significantly reduces production time and costs, while enabling easier recycling of the dispensing parts by allowing all layers to be shaped simultaneously and minimizing material waste.

Implementation Method 1

method for producing, by compression moulding, a dispensing part of a container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression moulding: Compression

Implementation Method 2

heating the dose in the mould

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a membrane which closes the passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12233585B2Method and apparatus for producing a dispensing part of a container, and dispensing part of a container

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOC COOP ARL

AI summary

A method comprises in sequence the steps of:dispensing a continuous polymeric extrudate in a molten state;separating from the continuous extrudate a dose substantially having the shape of a parallelepiped, the dose having a separation surface at which the dose has been separated from the continuous extrudate, the dose further having a face adjacent to the separation surface;conveying the dose towards a mould comprising a first mould part and a second mould part;shaping the dose in the mould by moving the first mould part and the second mould part one towards the other in a moulding direction arranged transversally to said face, thereby obtaining a dispensing part of a container.The dispensing part comprises:an edge zone suitable for being joined to a container body;a neck surrounding a passage through which a product contained in the container can be dispensed;a membrane which closes the passage, the passage being intended to be opened after the shaping step, so that said product can flow out.