Integrated Injection Blow Molding for Container Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing containers with integral caps are limited in shape and size variation due to the requirement of separate injection and blow molding stations, increasing machinery and production costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus combining both injection and blow mold portions within a single mold part allows for the injection molding of a vial-shaped preform with an integral cap, which is then blow molded to form the desired shape and size of the receptacle, with a pivot member sealing the cap without additional manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate injection and blow molding stations are used to produce containers with integral caps, then the containers can be formed with varying shapes and sizes, but the machinery requirements and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both injection molding and blow molding stations into a single integrated mold system. The mold includes an injection mold portion with a first cavity for forming the preform and cap, and a blow mold portion with a second cavity for forming the final container shape. This merging eliminates the need for separate machinery and transfer operations, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to produce containers in various shapes and sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate injection and blow molding stations are used, then the production process can accommodate various container shapes, but the production time increases due to transfer steps
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated mold system allows the production process to continue without interruption. The preform is injection molded in the first cavity, then immediately transferred within the same mold system to the second cavity for blow molding, eliminating the need to eject and reposition the preform between separate machines. This continuous operation reduces production time while maintaining versatility in container shape production
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate molding stations are used with ejection and transfer, then the process is flexible, but the number of manipulation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining both molding operations in a single integrated mold, the patent eliminates the need for ejection and repositioning steps that would be required when using separate machines. The preform remains in the mold system throughout the entire process, transitioning directly from injection molding to blow molding without external manipulation, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining process flexibility
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 containers with integral caps in various shapes and sizes without additional machinery, maintaining sterility and reducing production costs by integrating both molding steps into a single process.
Implementation Method 1
the injection mold portion and the blow mold portion are used to form a preform
Implementation Method 2
which is then blow molded to form the desired shape and size of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for forming a container generally comprises a first mold part having an injection mold portion and a blow mold portion and a second mold part having a core pin. The core pin is configured to cooperate with the injection mold portion in a first position to define an injection mold cavity for forming a preform and an integral cap. The core pin is also configured to cooperate with the blow mold portion in a second position to define a blow mold cavity for forming a receptacle from the preform. The cap may be closed at the blow mold portion to seal the receptacle. One or more threads may be formed on a neck of the container.