Ink Container Blow Molding With Integrated Supply Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing ink containers involve a large number of components and manufacturing steps, leading to complexity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an ink container using blow molding with a single mold configuration, where the parison is discharged in the Z-axis direction, pinched from both sides in the Y-axis direction, and molded with a blow nozzle to form the container body and supply port, reducing the number of components and steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are formed by injection molding and fastened by various fastening measures, then the ink container can be manufactured with conventional methods, but the number of components and manufacturing steps increases, leading to complicated management and increased time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separately molded components (base, front cover, rear cover) into a single integrated container body formed by blow molding. This single-mold process combines what were previously three separate injection molding operations and multiple fastening steps into one continuous manufacturing process, eliminating the need for assembly and reducing component count while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The blow molding process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the container body, creates the ink containing portion, forms the ink supply port, and integrates all structural features in a single operation. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate molding and assembly operations required by conventional injection molding methods
2Reliability
If multiple components are fastened by screwing, snap-fitting, welding, or adhesion, then the ink container can be assembled, but the number of manufacturing steps increases significantly and much time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate fastening operations by integrating all components into a single monolithic structure formed by blow molding. The container body, ink containing portion, and ink supply port are created as one unified piece, removing all assembly steps including screwing, snap-fitting, welding, or adhesion, thereby maximizing manufacturing speed without compromising structural reliability
3Ease of manufacture
If a plurality of components are formed by injection molding, then the ink container can be manufactured with conventional processes, but the number of manufacturing steps is large and management of components becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple injection molding cycles into a single blow molding cycle. Instead of molding the base, front cover, and rear cover separately in sequential injection molding operations, the blow molding process forms the complete container body in one continuous operation, dramatically reducing manufacturing cycle time and simplifying production management
Solution Approach 2:
The blow molding process prepares and forms the complete container structure in advance as a single integrated piece, eliminating the need for subsequent assembly operations. The parison is prepared and then molded into the final container shape with all features already integrated, preventing the need for later component assembly and management
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 allows for the production of an ink container with a simple configuration and reduced manufacturing steps, resulting in lower costs and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
molding the ink containing portion by inserting a blow nozzle into an air blowing port of the mold and blowing air
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an ink container includes discharging a parison in a Z-axis direction when a discharge direction of the parison is defined as the Z-axis direction, one direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction is defined as an X-axis direction, and a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as a Y-axis direction, setting a mold by forming the mold by a first mold and a second mold paired with the first mold, the mold including a molding portion having a length in the X-axis direction larger than a length in the Z-axis direction and pinching the parison from both sides in the Y-axis direction by the first mold and the second mold, and molding an ink containing portion by inserting a blow nozzle into an air blowing port of the mold and blowing air.