Injection Blow Molding Parison Neck Mold Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing injection blow molding (IBM) process requires significant operator discretion and expertise, leading to high capital, operating, and maintenance costs due to the complexity of split parison molds with multiple water lines, which complicates temperature control and affects the efficiency of the molding process.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an injection blow molding system with shiftable die sets and monolithic neck mold halves that minimize operator discretion by using a single temperature control unit for uniform heat transfer fluid, reducing the complexity of mold design and operation, and allowing for efficient temperature regulation within the injection station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple individual thermolators are used to control water temperature in different water lines, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple water lines into a single integrated water line system that supplies heat transfer fluid to both the parison body and neck mold halves. This consolidation reduces the number of separate thermolators needed while maintaining temperature control capability, thereby reducing device complexity and operating costs without sacrificing temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single water line system serves multiple functions by delivering heat transfer fluid to different locations (parison body and neck) through strategically positioned channels in the mold halves. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate temperature control systems for each region, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple individual thermolators are used for different water lines, then temperature control capability is improved, but operating costs and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple water lines into a single integrated system, the patent reduces the number of thermolators and associated components that require maintenance. This consolidation simplifies the system architecture, reducing both the frequency and cost of maintenance operations while preserving temperature control capability across different parison regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates redundant thermolators and water line components that would increase maintenance requirements. The streamlined single water line system reduces the number of failure points and maintenance tasks, thereby reducing operating costs and improving ease of manufacture while maintaining necessary temperature control.
3Measurement precision
If split parison mold with multiple water lines is used, then temperature control precision is improved, but operator discretion and expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated water line system reduces the number of independent temperature control parameters that an operator must manage. By consolidating multiple water lines into a single system with strategically positioned channels, the patent simplifies operation to the point where a single thermolator can control temperature distribution across the entire parison, reducing operator expertise requirements while maintaining precision.
4Measurement precision
If multiple water lines are formed in the parison mold, then temperature control precision is improved, but capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple water lines into a single integrated water line that branches into different channels within the mold halves. This design achieves temperature control precision without requiring multiple separate water line installations, thereby reducing capital costs for mold fabrication while maintaining the ability to control temperature in both parison body and neck regions.
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 solution reduces the need for operator expertise, lowers costs by simplifying mold design and maintenance, and enhances the consistency and efficiency of the molding process by maintaining uniform temperatures across the parison cavity surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The water lines may be supplied with water at different temperatures depending on the location of the water line relative to the neck or body of the parison being formed
Implementation Method 2
the parison-forming surfaces of the split parison mold are heated to and/or cooled to different temperatures via a plurality of water lines formed in the split parison mold near the parison-forming surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets, two body mold halves, and two neck mold halves. Each of the neck mold halves is attached directly to one of the die sets. The neck mold halves are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of one or more parisons. This type of neck mold attachment configuration can allow for better temperature control of the neck portion of the parison being molded therein. Further, such a neck mold configuration can reduce the cost of fabricating, installing, and/or replacing the neck molds.