Infusion Bottle Hanger Bending for Sterile Blow Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of sterilized containers for infusion solutions using the blow-fill-seal method is complex and prone to issues with hanger adhesion and tightness due to imprecise blowing, which complicates the manufacturing process and can lead to contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for producing containers with a preform having a hanger aligned perpendicular to the container's width axis, where the hanger is bent during stretching and blowing to create a pivotable hanger that does not adhere to the main body, allowing for differential heating and a non-symmetrical design that simplifies production and enhances sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the blow-fill-seal method is used to produce sterilized containers, then the containers can be hermetically closed in one operation, but the production process becomes complex and requires an additional extrusion system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container production into two separate operations: first producing the preform with injection molding, then transforming it into the final container shape with stretch-blow molding. This segmentation eliminates the need for extrusion equipment while maintaining hermetic sealing capability, as the seam formed during stretch-blow molding provides adequate sealing for infusion containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the extrusion step from the production process, relying solely on injection molding to create the preform. The subsequent stretch-blow molding process transforms this preform into the final container without requiring an extrusion system, thereby simplifying the overall production setup while still achieving hermetic closure.
2Ease of operation
If the hanger is positioned on the base of the preform, then the container can be suspended for infusion, but imprecise blowing may cause the hanger to adhere to the main body or impede tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the heating process by applying heat non-uniformly to the preform during stretch-blow molding. Specifically, the area around the hanger is heated differently than other regions, creating a controlled soft zone that allows the hanger to pivot freely without adhering to the container body, while maintaining tightness in other critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters during the molding process by implementing differential heating. The heating intensity and distribution are adjusted specifically in the hanger region to prevent adhesion, while other regions receive standard heating to ensure proper sealing and structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the container width is larger than depth for better handling, then the container profile is improved, but the hanger alignment and blowing precision become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric heating patterns that correspond to the container's wider profile. The heating zones are strategically positioned and differentiated to accommodate the larger width, ensuring that the hanger area receives appropriate thermal treatment for pivoting while maintaining alignment precision throughout the broader container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by providing different heating characteristics to different regions of the preform. The hanger region receives specialized heating to enable pivoting, while other regions receive heating optimized for their specific functions, allowing the container to achieve its wider profile without compromising hanger alignment precision.
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 simplifies the production of containers with a wider profile than depth, ensuring reliable and efficient manufacturing while maintaining sterility, reducing the risk of hanger adhesion and improving handling and packing density.
Implementation Method 1
heating the provided preform in a heating installation
Implementation Method 2
stretching and blowing the preform in the stretching and blowing apparatus such that the container for the infusion solution is molded from the preform
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a sterilized container comprises: providing a preform having a hanger arranged on a bottom of the preform, heating the preform in a heating device, feeding the heated preform into a stretching and blowing apparatus, stretching and blowing the preform in the stretching and blowing apparatus such that the container for the infusion solution is formed from the preform, cleaning the formed container in a rinsing apparatus, and drying the cleaned container in a drying device, filling the cleaned and dried container at least with an infusion solution, via a filling opening present in the container, in a filling plant, closing the container by attaching a closure cap to the filling opening of the container, sterilizing the closed container in an autoclave, wherein the hanger of the preform is oriented and folded over by a bending apparatus prior to stretching and blowing in the stretching and blowing apparatus.