Fiber-Containing Injection Molding for Resealable Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers made of fibers lack suitable resealable closures and threads, making them unsuitable for stable and safe storage and transport, especially for larger volumes of beverages.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using an injection molding process with a fiber-containing fluid mass, incorporating natural fibers and additives, to produce containers with enhanced strength and stability, including the option for resealable lids and threads, and a coating to minimize gas permeation and moisture absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional containers are made from fibers, then they are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but they lack sufficient strength and stability for resealable closures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-containing fluid mass as a composite material combining natural fibers (cellulose, wood fibers) with binding agents and additives. This composite approach maintains biodegradability while achieving sufficient strength for container structures and resealable closures through the synergistic combination of materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process transforms the fiber-containing fluid mass from a liquid state into a solid container structure. By controlling parameters such as injection pressure, temperature, and molding time, the process achieves adequate strength and stability in the final product while maintaining the biodegradable nature of the fiber materials.
2Strength
If injection molding process is used with fiber-containing fluid mass, then containers with sufficient strength can be produced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection molding device is designed to perform multiple functions: mixing the fiber-containing fluid mass, injecting it under pressure, controlling temperature during molding, and facilitating drying. This multi-functional approach consolidates several processes into one system, managing complexity while achieving the desired strength properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a porous material as an intermediary element in the injection molding tool that facilitates fluid escape and drying. This intermediary component simplifies the overall process by enabling controlled moisture removal without requiring complex external drying systems, thereby managing process complexity while ensuring adequate strength development.
3Productivity
If the injection molding tool comprises porous material for fluid escape, then drying efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision of container shape may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The porous material is strategically placed in specific regions of the injection molding tool where fluid escape is most beneficial for drying, rather than uniformly throughout. This localized application maintains manufacturing precision in critical areas while achieving efficient drying in regions where fluid removal is needed, balancing both requirements.
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 method enables the production of fiber-based containers with improved strength, stability, and resealability, optimizing storage, transport, and shelf life by using injection molding with biodegradable fibers and additives, and providing a secure closure system.
Implementation Method 1
The injection molding tool can comprise a porous material so that fluid from the fibrous, fluid mass can flow and/or escape
Implementation Method 2
a fiber-containing fluid mass stored in a reservoir can be injected under pressure into an injection molding tool
Implementation Method 3
additional drying of at least a portion of the container in the injection molding tool can be provided by heating the injection molding tool
Implementation Method 4
heating the injection molding tool
Implementation Method 5
A coating may minimize gas permeation, moisture absorption, and/or light transmission
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container (10, 11, 20, 29) containing fibers, wherein the method comprises manufacturing at least one part (1, 12, 21, 22, 30, 36, 39, 42, 45) of the container by means of an injection molding process with a fiber-containing fluid mass. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method, wherein the apparatus comprises an injection molding device for manufacturing the at least one part of the container by means of an injection molding process with a fiber-containing fluid mass.