Metallic Container Skirt Shaping with Differential Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reshaping metallic containers fail to modify the skirt without altering the precise geometrical characteristics of the top and bottom ends, which are typically shaped and sealed, posing a challenge in creating containers with both shaped skirts and precisely formed top and bottom ends.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-halves mould with an internally shaped wall, where internal pressure is built up to expand the skirt against the mould, while maintaining a low pressure difference between the internal cavity and external surfaces to prevent distortion of the top and bottom ends, using compressed air to shape the skirt without impairing the existing geometrical features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If internal pressure is increased to shape the skirt by expanding it against the mould, then the shaping effectiveness is improved, but the risk of distorting the precisely shaped top and bottom ends increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pressure conditions to different parts of the container: high internal pressure is applied to the skirt region to achieve shaping, while low external pressure is applied specifically to the top and bottom ends to prevent distortion. This localized differential pressure approach allows the skirt to be shaped effectively while preserving the precision of the top and bottom ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses external pressure applied to the top and bottom ends as a counterbalancing force against the internal pressure expanding the skirt. This counterpressure prevents the top and bottom ends from distorting while allowing the skirt to expand into the desired shape against the mould.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the container is expanded against the mould to create a shaped skirt, then the container obtains new decorative shapes, but the geometrical characteristics of the top and bottom ends may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized pressure control where the internal pressure is concentrated on the skirt region to achieve diverse shaped forms, while the top and bottom ends are subjected to separate low external pressure to maintain their precise geometrical characteristics and functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary protective measures by introducing low external pressure to the top and bottom ends before and during the expansion process. This preemptive counterpressure prevents potential distortion of the precisely shaped ends while allowing the skirt to expand into various decorative shapes.
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
Enables the shaping of metallic container skirts without distorting the precisely shaped top and bottom ends, allowing for the production of containers with both shaped skirts and intact, precisely formed openings, applicable to various container sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
an internal pressure P of a fluid, typically air, is build up during a span of time Δt within said hollow container forming a cavity, so as to shape said skirt by expanding it against said shaped wall
Implementation Method 2
an external pressure P′ of a fluid, typically air, is applied in a said upper space contiguous to an external or upper surface of said open top end and/or in a said lower space contiguous to an external or lower surface of said shaped bottom end
Data Source
AI summary
Method wherein a) a container (1, 6) is placed in a two halves mould (2) having an internal shaped wall (21), b) an internal pressure P of a fluid is build up so as to shape the skirt (12), is characterized in that an external pressure P′of a fluid is applied in an upper space (101) contiguous to an external or upper surface (100) of the open top end (10) and/or in a lower space (141) contiguous to an external or lower surface (140) of the shaped bottom end (14), so as to have, during the span of time Δt, a pressure difference ΔP|P−P′1 low enough to prevent any distortion of the shaped open top end (10) and/or the shaped bottom end (14), so as to form a shaped metallic container (1′, 6′). An apparatus for carring out the method is also disclosed.