Multi-Chamber Container Blow Molding with Localized Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blow molding techniques face challenges in manufacturing multi-chamber containers due to difficulties in attachment, such as deformation, uneven cooling, and leakage, making them expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mold assembly with inserts that maintain specific temperature portions of the container body, allowing for efficient attachment of multiple container bodies by contacting these temperature-controlled portions under positive internal pressure, using thermally insulating materials like PTFE and heat pins to control temperatures and facilitate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blow molding techniques are used to form multi-chamber containers, then the containers can be manufactured, but the attachment process causes deformation, uneven cooling, and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of specific portions of the container body to remain above the melting temperature of the parison (approximately 130-140°C) during the attachment process. This temperature parameter change enables the material to remain moldable and attachable without deforming the container structure, while the cooling system maintains other portions at lower temperatures for structural stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate attachment techniques are used to form multi-chamber containers, then multiple blow molded containers can be joined, but the process is expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blow molding process with the attachment process into a single integrated operation. Multiple container bodies are formed and attached simultaneously within the same mold assembly, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps. This is achieved by providing multiple parisons in the mold and forming them into connected container bodies in one cycle, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
3Reliability
If multiple blow molded containers are attached using adhesive or welding, then multi-chamber containers can be formed, but leakage and deformation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by heating specific portions of the container body above the melting temperature of the parison material, causing the material to transition from a solid crystalline state to a molten state. This allows the material to flow and bond with adjacent container portions, creating a leak-proof attachment. After cooling, the material transitions back to solid, forming a strong, sealed joint without the need for adhesives or welding.
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 cost-effective and efficient production of multi-chamber containers by maintaining temperature differences to ensure strong attachment without deformation or leakage, improving manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first insert can include a thermally insulating material. For example, the thermally insulating material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Implementation Method 2
the first mold assembly further can include at least one first further insert having a first heat pin. The first heat pin can be configured to control the first further portion temperature.
Implementation Method 3
the first set of mold blocks can have a cooling system to cool the remaining portion of the first container body to a temperature less than the first portion temperature.
Implementation Method 4
The first portion temperature can be at least a melting temperature of the parison, which can be about 130-140 °C.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Method to manufacture a container includes disposing a first parison within a first mold assembly having a first inner surface defining a first mold chamber. The first mold assembly includes at least one first insert disposed on the first inner surface within the first mold chamber. The first parison is blow molded to form a first container body within the first mold chamber, wherein at least one first portion of the first container body corresponding to the at least one first insert has a first portion temperature greater than a remaining portion of the first container body. The at least one first portion of the first container body can be contacted to at least one second portion of a second container body to attach the first and second container bodies. Assemblies, systems, and intermediate stage pre-assembly multi-chamber containers are also disclosed, as well as multi-chamber containers formed from the same.