Blow-Molded Pipe Assembly With Integrated Through-Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating openings in pipe assemblies during manufacturing have not effectively addressed the challenge of integrating functional elements directly into the pipe assembly during manufacturing. The existing methods for creating functional elements directly into the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the challenge of integrating functional elements directly into the pipe assembly during the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the challenge of integrating functional elements such as outlets, which are not easily integrated into the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the need for creating functional elements such as the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the need for integrating the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the need for integrating functional elements such as the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the requirement for creating openings in the pipe assembly during the blow molding process. The existing methods for creating openings in the pipe assembly have not effectively addressed the challenge of integrating functional elements directly into the pipe assembly during the blow molding process.

Innovation Solution

A method for manufacturing a pipe assembly by blow molding, where at least one functional element is positioned in a recess of a blow mold, and a tubular preform is inserted to form a through-opening between the channel and the functional element during the blow molding process, allowing for a form-fit and/or material-fit connection of the functional element to the base body, eliminating the need for subsequent opening of blind outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If functional elements are integrated directly into the pipe assembly during blow molding, then manufacturing efficiency is improved and subsequent opening steps are eliminated, but the complexity of the blow molding process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidblow molding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functional elements are positioned in the blow mold cavities before the blow molding process begins. The preform is then molded directly around these pre-positioned functional elements, creating through-openings and integrating the elements into the pipe assembly in a single step. This preliminary positioning eliminates subsequent opening steps and manual assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple operations into a single blow molding process: creating the pipe assembly base body, forming through-openings, and integrating functional elements all occur simultaneously. The mold cavity design integrates the functional element positioning features directly into the blow mold structure, merging what would traditionally be separate manufacturing steps into one unified process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If through-openings are created during blow molding for functional element integration, then media-tight connections are ensured, but the precision requirements for mold recess positioning increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia-tight connectionVSAvoidmold recess positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The functional elements are nested within recesses or cavities in the blow mold structure. The mold design includes precisely formed recesses that receive and position the functional elements during the blow molding process. The preform is molded around these nested functional elements, ensuring precise positioning and creating sealed through-openings that guarantee media-tight connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The blow molding process itself creates the through-openings and positions the functional elements without requiring separate operations. The material flow and pressure during blow molding automatically form the connections between the pipe assembly and functional elements, with the mold structure providing the necessary positioning features that ensure both precision and sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The method enables the direct creation of openings for functional elements during blow molding, facilitating secure and easy attachment of outlets, branches, or connectors to the pipe assembly, reducing the need for separate opening steps and ensuring a media-tight connection.

Implementation Method 1

During the process, the preform conforms to the inner wall of the mold, which defines the outer contour of the pipe assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

into which a partial area of the preform is formed and broken open by blow molding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP4667187A1Method of manufacturing a pipe assembly
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 TI AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
  • EP4667187A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4667187A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP4667187A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method for producing a pipe assembly (2) comprising a base body (3) with at least one channel (4), wherein at least one functional element (5) is assigned to the channel (4), wherein the at least one functional element (5) is positioned in a recess (7) of a blow mold (6), a tubular preform (8) is inserted into the blow mold (6), and the pipe assembly (2) is produced from the preform (8) by blow molding, wherein the functional element (5) has at least one opening (9) and/or recess assigned to the preform (8), wherein the blow molding is carried out in such a way that a partial area (11) of the preform (8) is formed and broken open in the opening (9) and/or recess, and a through-opening (10) is formed between the at least one channel (4) and the functional element (5).