Compression Tabs for Void Space in Stretch Blow Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the stretch blow molding process for fabricating and filling containers, creating a void space in the container to prevent spilling when opened is challenging, especially when using a combined forming-filling process, as the existing methods are complex, costly, and prone to contamination due to the use of hollow stretch rods and ports.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using compression means, such as mobile compression tabs, to compress the container and expel liquid externally, creating a void space without the need for internal ports or channels, thereby simplifying the process, improving accuracy, and reducing maintenance and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a hollow stretch rod with ports is used to remove excess liquid, then void space is created in the container, but the apparatus complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the liquid removal function from the stretch rod by using a separate suction device. The stretch rod becomes solid and simple, while a dedicated suction system with its own ports and control mechanisms handles the liquid removal, separating the functions and simplifying each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid removal function is segmented from the stretching function. Instead of combining both functions in one hollow stretch rod, the invention uses a solid stretch rod for stretching and a separate suction system with controllable ports for liquid removal, dividing the system into independent functional modules.
2Quantity of substance
If the stretching rod diameter is increased to create more void space, then void volume increases, but the space for liquid injection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the liquid removal function from the stretch rod by using a separate suction device. The stretch rod becomes solid and simple, while a dedicated suction system with its own ports and control mechanisms handles the liquid removal, separating the functions and simplifying each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction ports are made dynamically controllable, being opened only during the brief period when excess liquid needs to be removed and closed thereafter. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain a simple solid stretch rod structure while enabling precise liquid removal when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid is removed by suction through the stretch rod, then void space is created, but contamination risk increases due to internal channels
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the liquid removal function from the stretch rod by using a separate suction device. The stretch rod becomes solid and simple, while a dedicated suction system with its own ports and control mechanisms handles the liquid removal, separating the functions and simplifying each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system uses a separate, simple port structure that can be easily cleaned or replaced. Rather than maintaining complex internal channels within the stretch rod, the invention uses an external suction system with accessible ports that can be quickly serviced, effectively treating the suction path as a disposable or easily renewable component.
4Quantity of substance
If a hollow stretch rod with ports is used, then liquid removal is enabled, but cleaning and maintenance become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the liquid removal function from the stretch rod by using a separate suction device. The stretch rod becomes solid and simple, while a dedicated suction system with its own ports and control mechanisms handles the liquid removal, separating the functions and simplifying each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system uses a separate, simple port structure that can be easily cleaned or replaced. Rather than maintaining complex internal channels within the stretch rod, the invention uses an external suction system with accessible ports that can be quickly serviced, effectively treating the suction path as a disposable or easily renewable component.
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
The apparatus provides a more direct and accurate control over the volume of liquid expelled, enhancing the precision and cleanliness of the filling process, while minimizing equipment complexity and maintenance, and ensuring the container is filled accurately without damage.
Implementation Method 1
The preform is expanded into the cavity of the mold by the action of a working fluid injected into the preform under pressure
Implementation Method 2
The stretching rod is advanced into the preform and presses against an opposite interior surface, stretching it longitudinally into the mold
Implementation Method 3
providing said at least one compression means as a compression tab comprising a portion of and being mobile relative to at least one of said mold segments and forming a portion of the surface of said mold cavity when in the retracted position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for the fabrication of a container (300) comprising a mold (121) defining the form of said container (300) and configured to accommodate a substantially tubular preform, an injection head (115) configured to interface with the preform (108) and establish fluid communication with a cavity thereof; and an injection valve (202), said injection valve (202) configured to selectively permit fluid communication through said injection head (115); said apparatus (100) further comprising at least one compression means (303A, 303B) mobile relative to said mold (121) such that said at least one compression means (303A, 303B) is disposed outside said mold cavity (105) in a retracted position and projects into said mold cavity (105) in an extended position.