Thermoforming Container Mold Segmentation for Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoforming methods face challenges with poor mold release and crushing of the bottom surface during container removal, especially in continuous production, and are prone to product defects due to contractional deformation.
Innovation Solution
A container forming apparatus with a first mold part that includes both the bottom and side portions of the container, allowing for easier ejection by pressing the side portion, and a second mold part forming the remaining portion, along with a thermoforming method that uses compressed air and vacuum suction to form the container, including a stepped side portion for enhanced strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional knock-out apparatus is used to discharge the container from the mold, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the container cannot be easily taken out during continuous production and crushing of the bottom surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is divided into two separate parts: a first mold part that forms the bottom and lower side portion, and a second mold part that forms the upper side portion. This segmentation allows the first mold part to be lifted independently to eject the container, facilitating easy removal without crushing the bottom surface while maintaining structural integrity through the divided design.
2Ease of operation
If the first mold part is lifted upward to separate and take out the container, then the container can be easily removed, but the side portion needs sufficient strength to withstand the lifting force
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped portion is pre-formed on the side portion of the container during the molding process. This preliminary structural reinforcement is built into the container wall, providing the necessary strength to withstand the lifting force applied during ejection without requiring additional strengthening measures afterward.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure vacuum forming is used to increase forming precision, then the forming accuracy is improved, but poor mold release occurs during continuous production
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the mold into two separable parts, the first mold part can be lifted independently to release the formed container. This segmentation enables quick ejection of the container from the mold, allowing continuous production to proceed without delays caused by poor mold release, while maintaining the precision benefits of pressure vacuum forming.
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
Facilitates easier container removal by increasing pressing force and reduces mold release issues like crushing, while minimizing product defects through reinforcement of the side portion's strength to withstand contractional deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a first mold part which includes a bottom forming part for forming a bottom portion of the container and a side forming part for extending to be inclined upward from the bottom forming part and forming a part of the side portion of the container and is lifted upward to separate and take out the container in which the forming is completed to press the container
Implementation Method 2
coming into close contact with the first mold part and the second mold part by injection of compressed air and vacuum suction to form the bottom portion and the side portion
Implementation Method 3
coming into close contact with the first mold part and the second mold part by injection of compressed air and vacuum suction to form the bottom portion and the side portion
Implementation Method 4
a heating step of heating a sheet to be formed into a container
Implementation Method 5
the thermoforming method is a method of making a cooling formed product by heating and softening a plastic sheet of a thermoplastic resin to deform the plastic sheet by an external force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a container forming apparatus, a container forming method, a container, and an instant food packaging method using the container. The container forming apparatus, which is a container forming apparatus for forming a container by thermoforming, comprises: a bottom forming part for forming the bottom portion of the container; a side forming part extending upwardly inclined from the bottom forming part and configured to form a part of the side portion of the container; a first form part configured to rise upward and pressurize the container to separate and take out the formed container; and a second form part disposed outside the first form part and configured to form the remaining parts of the container except the part of the side portion.