Nested Container System for Precise Polyol Additive Dosing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing process of polyurethanes is complicated by the need for accurate dosing of additives before mixing with the polyol reactant, which lengthens the process and increases costs, and there are challenges in accurately preparing prepolymers with precise isocyanate dosage.

Innovation Solution

A container system with a nested second container for additives that can be opened externally to release contents into a first container, allowing for precise mixing of polyol and additives, including glycols, amines, and flame retardants, using a piercing rod with mixing blades for automated mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If additives are mixed with polyol before production, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the dosing accuracy and mixing timing control become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoiddosing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two separate compartments: a first container for polyol and a second container for additives. This segmentation allows each component to be dosed and stored separately with precise control, while simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex pre-mixing equipment. The additives are only introduced into the polyol compartment immediately before production, ensuring both simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If additives are stored separately from polyol, then dosing precision is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidcontainer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second container for additives is nested inside the first container for polyol. This nested structure allows separate storage and precise dosing of additives while maintaining a compact, integrated container system. The additives container can be opened externally to release contents into the polyol compartment, providing precise control without requiring complex external handling equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If additives are added late in the process, then dosing control is improved, but the production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing controlVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The additives are pre-loaded into the second container during container preparation, but remain sealed until the moment of production. This preliminary preparation allows the container to be ready for immediate use, eliminating setup time during production. The additives are introduced into the polyol compartment in a single rapid operation, ensuring both precise control and efficient production timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4095066A1A container system for products to be mixed
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 EPAFLEX POLYURETHANES SPA
  • EP4095066A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4095066A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4095066A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A container system (1) for products to be mixed, comprising a first container (2) for containing a first product, a lid (2a) for closing said first container and a second container (3) which is housed inside the first container; a portion of said second container extending through the lid and having a reclosable opening (18) on the outside of the first container. The bottom (14) of the second container can be opened for releasing the contents of the second container into the product present inside the first container.