Pivotable Wall Tool for Thermoforming Stack Edge Demolding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing plastic containers with stack edges in thermoforming processes face challenges in easily releasing the stack edge during demolding without damaging it, leading to potential deformation or destruction.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a positive mold featuring a pivotable wall that forms a hollow profile as a stack edge, which can move from a molding position to a demolding position, allowing for the simple release of the stack edge and enabling the container to be removed without damage, utilizing pivotable segments and gravity slides for secure positioning and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed wall is used to form the stacking rim in the molding position, then the stacking rim can be formed with precise geometry, but the stacking rim cannot be released during demolding without damaging it
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is designed as a movable component that can change its position between molding and demolding operations. During molding, the wall is in a first position that protrudes beyond the mold to form the stacking rim geometry. During demolding, the wall moves to a second position that retracts from the mold, allowing the stacking rim to be released without damage. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining precise geometry and enabling easy release.
2Shape
If the wall protrudes beyond the mold during molding, then the stacking rim can be formed as a hollow profile, but the wall interferes with container removal during demolding
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is designed to dynamically change its position based on the operational phase. In the molding phase, the wall protrudes beyond the mold surface to form the hollow profile stacking rim. In the demolding phase, the wall retracts to a second position that no longer interferes with container removal. This positional change eliminates the interference problem while preserving the hollow profile formation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into a movable wall component and a fixed mold body. The wall can be independently positioned relative to the mold, allowing it to protrude during molding and retract during demolding. This segmentation enables the wall to perform different functions at different stages without compromising either the hollow profile formation or the ease of container removal.
3Ease of operation
If a movable wall is used to enable demolding, then the stacking rim can be released, but the wall position control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is designed as a movable component capable of transitioning between two distinct positions: a first protruding position for molding and a second retracted position for demolding. This dynamic capability allows the stacking rim to be formed with precise geometry during molding and then easily released during demolding by simply repositioning the wall, thereby achieving ease of operation while maintaining controlled complexity through defined positional states.
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
Enables the production of containers with inwardly open grooves as stack edges that can be reliably and easily demolded, ensuring consistent quality and preventing deformation of the stack edge, with the ability to maintain a defined position during demolding and quick, controlled movement of slides using motors or pneumatic drives.
Implementation Method 1
a blank made of thermoplastic material is heated in a thermoforming process
Implementation Method 2
the container is cooled before demolding to a temperature that allows elastic deformation of the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tool (10) for manufacturing a container (1) with a positive mold (11), comprising a bottom section (12), a side wall section (13), and a wall (14) for forming a stacking rim (9) projecting around the entire outer surface of the container beyond an outer contour of a side wall (3) of the container (1), which is designed as a hollow profile and is formed as an open groove towards the inside of the container and is spaced apart from the bottom (2) of the container, wherein the wall (14) is arranged projecting around the entire outer surface of the positive mold (11) in a forming position for forming the container (1), and an angle (a) of less than 90° is formed between a wall side (17) facing the bottom section (12) and a region (13a) of the associated side wall section (13) extending from this wall side (17) towards the bottom section (12), the wall (14) having several Wall segments (14.1 to 14.n) comprises, each of which is pivotably arranged on the side wall section (13), a movement of the wall segments (14.1 to 14.n) into a forming position in the forming direction (Y) is blocked and in the demolding direction (-Y) is released, and the area (13a) is designed as a circumferential ring which rests on the wall segments (14.1 to 14.n) in the forming position. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a container 1 using such a tool (10).