Thermoplastic Container With Thickened Curved Annular Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container manufacturing methods fail to achieve significant improvements in mechanical strength through additional perimeter thicknesses, leading to mediocre mechanical performance and high production costs.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring selectively heated preforms with alternating hot and cold zones, where the preforms are exposed to infrared radiation from a matrix of quasi-monochromatic infrared diodes to create regions with varying wall thickness, resulting in high resistance to ovalization and improved grip without crushing risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional perimeter thicknesses are added to the container wall, then mechanical strength is improved, but production cost increases due to costly technical modifications of the heating installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating alternating hot and cold zones in specific regions of the preform during heating. The hot zones (where T > Tg) allow material flow and thinning, while cold zones (where T < Tg) maintain structural integrity and thickness. This localized temperature control creates the desired variable wall thickness distribution without requiring complex modifications to the heating installation, as the effect is achieved through controlled infrared radiation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the alternating pattern of hot and cold zones along the preform. This periodic temperature distribution creates corresponding periodic variations in wall thickness, with thickened regions forming in the cold zones and thinner regions in the hot zones. The periodic heating pattern allows the container to achieve enhanced mechanical strength at critical perimeter zones while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Shape
If alternating reflective and non-reflective zones are arranged facing the heating means, then perimeter thickness variation is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves local quality by creating specific hot and cold zones through controlled infrared radiation rather than using alternating reflective and non-reflective zones. The selective heating is accomplished by directing infrared energy to specific regions of the preform, creating localized temperature differences that result in the desired wall thickness distribution without requiring complex reflective zone arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of alternating reflective and non-reflective zones with a thermal radiation approach using infrared diodes. Instead of manipulating light reflection properties of different zones, the invention directly controls the thermal field to create the desired heating pattern, simplifying the heating installation while achieving the same wall thickness variation effect.
3Shape
If selective heating with alternating hot and cold zones is applied, then wall thickness variation is achieved, but temperature control precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature parameter in different zones of the preform. By maintaining certain zones below the glass transition temperature (T < Tg) and others above it (T > Tg), the invention creates distinct material states that control wall thickness development. This parameter-based approach allows for precise control of wall thickness distribution through temperature management rather than complex geometric or optical arrangements.
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 container exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, resistance to ovalization, and cost-effective production with precise temperature control enabling precise axial guidance during free blowing, resulting in containers with enhanced structural rigidity and repeatability.
Implementation Method 1
a matrix (9) of quasi-monochromatic infrared diodes (8) arranged in superimposed areas (9A, 9B, ..., 9I) which are alternately lit and unlit in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
selectively heated preforms with alternating hot and cold zones, where the preforms are exposed to infrared radiation
Implementation Method 3
a forming stage during which a fluid (in particular a gas) under pressure is injected into the preforms thus heated to give them the final shape of the container
Implementation Method 4
a fluid (in particular a gas) under pressure is injected into the preforms
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Thermoplastic container (14) having a body extending along a main axis (A), characterized in that the body has at least one thickened curved annular region (20).