Detachable Support Ring Preform for Larger Blow-Molded Bottles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing stretch blow molding processes for plastic bottles are limited by the cross-sectional diameter of the preform, which is restricted by the support ring, leading to reduced design possibilities and increased material usage due to the support ring's weight, which typically accounts for 20% of the preform neck.
Innovation Solution
A removable support ring is introduced, allowing the preform's body to have a larger outer diameter and increased wall thickness without being limited by the support ring's diameter, enabling larger container dimensions and reducing material usage by allowing the support ring to be reused or recycled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support ring is made larger to accommodate transport requirements, then the preform's outer diameter is limited, but this restricts design possibilities and increases material usage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the preform into two separate components: the preform body and the support ring. The support ring is made as a separate detachable component rather than being integrated into the preform, allowing independent optimization of each part's dimensions and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional parameters by allowing the preform body to have a larger outer diameter than the support ring's inner diameter, breaking the previous constraint where the preform diameter had to be smaller than the support ring diameter for transport engagement.
2Ease of operation
If the support ring is integrated into the preform, then transport engagement is enabled, but material consumption increases due to the support ring's weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is extracted from the integrated preform structure and made into a separate detachable component. This allows the support ring to be removed after its transport function is fulfilled, eliminating the permanent material burden on the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring is designed to be discarded after use in transport and holding operations, or potentially recovered and reused. This temporary use approach reduces the overall material consumption compared to having the support ring permanently integrated into the preform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the preform outer diameter is increased to improve design possibilities, then larger container dimensions are achieved, but the support ring's outer diameter becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the preform and support ring into separate components, the invention removes the dimensional constraint where the preform diameter had to be smaller than the support ring diameter. The preform body can now be optimized independently for larger dimensions and design flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If the support ring diameter is increased to allow preform transport, then transport capability is improved, but the preform's cross-sectional diameter is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is extracted as a separate component that can be optimized for transport function independently. Its larger diameter no longer constrains the preform body's cross-sectional dimensions, as the preform passes through the support ring's inner diameter during transport rather than being limited by the support ring's outer diameter.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a preform (11) for the production of plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles, in a two-stage stretch blow molding process, comprising an elongated body (13), a base (15) formed at a first longitudinal end of the body (13), a neck section (17) formed at a second longitudinal end of the body (13) and opposite the first longitudinal end, a pouring opening (19) provided on the neck section (17), and a support ring (21) projecting radially from the body and separating the neck section from the body. The support ring (21) is a separate support element that can be positively locked onto the preform (11).