Fibre Moulding Edge Stabilization via Inflatable Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing fibre mouldings for drinks packaging containers face challenges in creating a stable and smooth surface for gas- and liquid-tight seams, particularly in multi-part containers, where additional tools and design efforts are required to ensure a secure connection between the fibre moulding and the tube-shaped base body.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a forming wire dipped into a pulp slurry, with a circumferential collar inflated to compress the fibre material at the edge, allowing for even thickness and stability, and optionally using a pressing tool for further compaction and coating to achieve a gas- and liquid-tight surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical shaping and compaction of the peripheral area is performed using a special rigid moulding tool, then the circumferential edge of the fibre moulding has sufficient stability, but the design effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the collar from rigid to flexible by using an inflatable structure. The collar transitions from a deflated state (easy to insert) to an inflated state (exerts compression force), thereby achieving edge stabilization without requiring complex rigid moulding tools. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining stability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic inflation of the collar to generate the necessary compression force for stabilizing the circumferential edge. By using air pressure instead of mechanical rigid tools, the system achieves the required compaction force with a simpler device structure, thus resolving the contradiction between edge stability and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fibre moulding has a smooth surface for easy coating, then the coating process is easier, but additional tools and design efforts are required to achieve the smooth surface
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable collar changes from a deflated to an inflated state, transforming its physical parameters to exert uniform compression on the fibre material. This compression action smooths the surface and compacts the fibre structure during the forming process itself, eliminating the need for additional smoothing tools and reducing device complexity while improving ease of coating.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seam area is made stable and compact for easy connection, then the joining process is simplified, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable collar performs preliminary compaction and stabilization of the circumferential edge during the fibre moulding formation process itself. By preparing the seam area in advance with the required stability and compactness, the subsequent joining operation is simplified, while the overall manufacturing process complexity remains low because the preparation is integrated into the forming step.
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 enables the production of fibre mouldings with improved surface quality and stability, allowing for easy connection to packaging containers without additional tools, reducing design effort and ensuring a secure, aseptic seal.
Implementation Method 1
compressing of the fibre material in the area of the circumferential edge of the forming wire by inflating a circumferential collar
Implementation Method 2
dipping of a forming wire arranged on a toolholder into a pulp slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for manufacturing a fiber molding for drinks packaging containers having an improved structure and surface quality. The method includes the following steps: dipping of a forming wire arranged on a toolholder into a pulp slurry, lifting of the toolholder in order to move the covered forming wire completely out of the pulp slurry, compressing of the fiber material in an area of the circumferential edge of the forming wire through inflating of a circumferential collar, relaxing of the pressure in the collar, and removing of the fiber molding. A device for manufacturing of a fiber molding is also provided.