Blow Molded Container Shaped Tail Hanging Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow molding processes aim to minimize the tail feature of preforms or parisons, which are often viewed as wasted plastic and require post-forming processing. This limits the functionality of the resultant containers.
Innovation Solution
The technology converts the tail feature of a preform or parison into a useful functionality by shaping it into a coupling point, such as a hanging implement, allowing the container to be stored in a position where the contents can be easily dispensed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the tail feature of preform or parison is minimized or removed, then material waste is reduced and container aesthetics are improved, but post-forming processing is required and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful or wasteful tail feature into a beneficial hanging implement. The tail, which was considered material waste requiring removal, is instead shaped into a functional coupling point that enables the container to be hung for dispensing. This transforms a defect into a useful feature, eliminating the need for post-forming processing while adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameter of the tail from 'waste material to be removed' to 'functional hanging implement'. By modifying the shape and purpose of the tail feature during the forming process, the container gains hanging capability without requiring additional processing steps, thus resolving the contradiction between material efficiency and manufacturing ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tail feature is converted into a hanging implement, then container functionality is enhanced and material waste is reduced, but the tail must be precisely shaped during forming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by shaping the tail into a hanging implement during the initial blow-molding or injection-molding process, rather than adding the feature later. The mold is designed with specific features that automatically form the hanging implement as the container is being created, ensuring precise shaping without requiring subsequent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding process itself serves the dual function of creating the container body and forming the hanging implement tail. The mold design incorporates features that cause the plastic material to naturally form the desired tail shape during injection or blowing, making the process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate precision shaping operations.
3Productivity
If liquid blow molding is used to form and fill container in single operation, then packaging efficiency is optimized and time is saved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container forming operation with the liquid product filling operation into a single integrated process. The liquid product serves dual purposes: it forms the container shape through blow molding and simultaneously fills the container to its final volume. This combination eliminates the need for separate forming and filling equipment, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced nature of the integrated process.
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 optimizes the use of plastic material and facilitates efficient dispensing of viscous products by maintaining them near the opening of the container, enhancing packaging efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The preform can then be heated above the plastic glass transition temperature
Implementation Method 2
The preform can then be heated above the plastic glass transition temperature, optionally stretched longitudinally with a stretch rod, and blown using high-pressure gas (e.g., air) into a container conforming to a mold. As the preform is inflated, it elongates and stretches
Implementation Method 3
The plastic solidifies upon contacting the cooler surface of the mold
Implementation Method 4
A heated preform, much like the preform used in injection blow molding, can be placed within a mold, optionally stretched, and rapidly filled using a liquid product instead of a gas to form a container therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Ways to produce a container (315, 415, 515, 720, 815, 915) having a shaped tail (610, 910) are provided that include blow molding a precursor having a tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) and shaping the tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) to form the shaped tail (610, 910). Various types of blow molding can employ various types of precursors having tails (510). Injection blow molding can be used where a preform (105, 200, 305, 405, 505) having a tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) is optionally longitudinally stretched and is expanded with a gas or a liquid. Extrusion blow molding can be used where a parison (705) having a tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) is expanded. A tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) shaping means can be part of the blow molding process or can be employed after the container (315, 415, 515, 720, 815, 915) is produced from the precursor having the tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910). The shaped tail (610, 910) can impart functionality to the container (315, 415, 515, 720, 815, 915), including where the tail (105, 110, 205, 310, 410, 510, 715, 810, 910) is shaped into a coupling point that can serve as an attachment point, hanging point, or hook, for example.