Multi-Cavity Blow Molding Apparatus for Simultaneous Container Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow-molding technologies for fabricating multiple containers are inefficient due to the need for complex and expensive molds, lengthy fabrication cycles, and separate steps for packaging and filling, which limits output and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for fabricating multiple plastic containers where the form of each container is partially defined by adjacent containers through expansion, using a single mold and incompressible fluid injection, allowing for simultaneous production, packaging, and filling with different liquids, while enabling easy detachment and labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pressurized-gas blow molding systems are used to fabricate multiple containers, then each container requires a separate complex mold, but this increases device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual molds are merged into a single mold assembly that can form multiple containers simultaneously. The mold includes multiple cavities arranged to receive and form preforms into containers during one injection cycle, eliminating the need for separate molds for each container.
Solution Approach 2:
The single mold assembly serves multiple functions by forming different containers (e.g., bottles, jars, pouches) with different volumes and shapes within the same mold body. The mold cavities can be configured to produce various container types simultaneously, making the mold system universal rather than dedicated to a single container type.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate molds are used for each container, then container formation is precise, but the fabrication cycle time increases due to mold opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple container formation operations are combined into a single mold assembly that opens and closes once per cycle. All preforms are formed simultaneously when the mold closes, and all containers are released together when the mold opens, reducing the total cycle time compared to sequential formation in separate molds.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold assembly is segmented into multiple independent cavities, each capable of forming a container independently. This segmentation allows each cavity to be optimized for specific container types while the overall assembly operates as a unified system with a single cycle time for all containers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packaging elements are added separately, then container functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mold assembly is merged with packaging elements such as trays, wraps, or cartons that are formed or attached during the same injection cycle. The packaging elements are integrated into the mold structure, allowing containers to be packaged immediately upon formation without requiring separate packaging equipment or operations.
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 mold requirements, reduces production time, and increases output efficiency by producing multiple containers with precise control over shape and surface features, while allowing for simultaneous filling and labeling in a single operational cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized fluid is injected into the preform to induce it to expand into the form of a container
Implementation Method 2
a stretching rod is also advanced into this preform during the injection of the pressurized gas so as to induce it to stretch longitudinally
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of containers fabricated from plastic preforms, wherein the form of each of the containers is partially defined, through expansion of the containers by other containers adjacent thereto.A package including a plurality of the plastic containers is also provided.