In-Mould Handle Movement Mechanism for Biaxial Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection stretch blow-moulded containers with integral handles face challenges in achieving biaxial orientation of the handle and the region between connection points, resulting in aesthetically unpleasing and costly designs with insufficient strength.
Innovation Solution
An in-mould handle movement mechanism using mirror-reversed insert portions and a pivoting block, driven by a linear actuator, to rotate and position the handle portion during the stretch blow-moulding process, ensuring biaxial orientation of the polymer material and integration with the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the handle is injection moulded with the preform in its initial position, then the handle can be integrally attached to the preform, but the handle cannot be biaxially stretched and the region between connection points lacks sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable insert mechanism that dynamically repositions during the blow moulding process. The insert transitions from an initial position where it supports the handle in its moulded configuration to a final position where it allows the handle to be biaxially stretched and repositioned, thereby achieving both integral attachment and material orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is preliminarily formed with integral attachment features during injection moulding, ensuring it is securely attached to the preform before the blow moulding process begins. This preliminary action allows the subsequent dynamic repositioning and biaxial stretching to occur while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the handle is designed with a stronger form to achieve required strength, then the handle strength is sufficient, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and polymer consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and orientation parameters of the handle material through biaxial stretching during the blow moulding process. This transforms the molecular alignment and mechanical properties of the handle, achieving sufficient strength while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing form that would be impossible with conventional injection moulded handles.
3Strength
If the handle is injection moulded in its final position, then the handle can be aesthetically pleasing and strong, but the handle cannot be integrally attached to the preform
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert mechanism enables the handle to be dynamically repositioned from its injection moulded location to its final aesthetic position during the blow moulding process. This dynamic approach allows the handle to maintain integral attachment throughout the transformation while achieving the desired final configuration.
4Manufacturing precision
If a channel is used to reposition the handle during blow moulding, then the handle can be moved to its final position, but the region between connection points cannot be biaxially stretched
Solution Approach 1:
The movable insert dynamically adjusts its position and configuration during the blow moulding process. Initially, it supports the handle in its moulded position; subsequently, it moves to allow comprehensive biaxial stretching of the handle and the region between connection points, achieving both precise positioning and material orientation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An in-mould, handle movement mechanism for repositioning a handle of a stretch blow-moulded container from its initial, as injected moulded location on a body of an injection moulded preform, to a desired integrally attached position on said stretch blow-moulded container.