Preform Manufacturing Device Integrating Decontamination and Injection Molding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanical recycle method for manufacturing preforms from thermoplastic resin flakes is inefficient due to multiple steps required for decontamination, crystallization, drying, and injection molding, which hampers productivity and quality.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a decontamination apparatus with an injection molding apparatus, including a filter and a gear pump, to directly melt and mold the decontaminated resin flakes, reducing the number of processing steps and enhancing control over resin flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple processing steps (crystallization, drying, injection molding) are used to manufacture preforms from resin flakes, then the quality and purity of preforms can be maintained, but the productivity and manufacturing efficiency deteriorate due to the complexity and time consumption of multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreform manufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of processing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple processing functions (decontamination, melting, filtering, and injection molding) into an integrated system where the decontamination apparatus directly connects to the injection molding apparatus, eliminating intermediate steps such as separate crystallization and drying processes. This merging of functions reduces the number of processing steps while maintaining preform quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The injection molding apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives decontaminated resin directly from the decontamination apparatus, melts the resin, filters contaminants through an integrated filter, and molds the preforms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each processing step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple processing steps including high-temperature crystallization and drying are implemented, then the quality of crystalized resin can be improved, but the manufacturing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresin qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a continuous processing flow where decontaminated resin is immediately melted and molded without interruption for separate crystallization and drying steps. The resin undergoes continuous transformation from solid flake to molded preform through the integrated system, eliminating idle time between processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls resin temperature and processing parameters dynamically within the injection molding apparatus, achieving the necessary resin quality and crystallization directly during the molding process rather than through separate high-temperature treatment steps, thereby reducing total processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a filter is added to remove foreign matter from melted resin, then the purity of preforms is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreform purityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is integrated into the injection molding apparatus as an internal component rather than being a separate external device. This merging of the filtering function into the existing molding equipment achieves resin purification without adding significant structural complexity or requiring additional standalone apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If a gear pump is added to supply melted resin consistently to the injection molding apparatus, then the manufacturing precision and resin flow control are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresin flow controlVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gear pump is integrated as an internal component of the injection molding apparatus, merging the resin transport function with the molding equipment. This integration provides precise resin flow control and consistent supply to the molding cavity without requiring a separate external pumping system, thereby minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration significantly enhances productivity and quality by reducing the number of processing steps, minimizing thermal stress on the resin, and ensuring consistent resin supply, thereby improving the efficiency of preform manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

foreign matter in the resin is removed by passing the resin through a filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a gear pump is disposed between the filter and the injection molding apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

the extruded amorphous resin is heated up to high temperature (about 220 degrees Celsius) and is crystallized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

the extruded amorphous resin is heated up to high temperature (about 220 degrees Celsius) and is crystallized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP3445553B1A preform manufacturing device
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SUNTORY HLDG LTD
  • EP3445553B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3445553B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3445553B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A preform manufacturing device for manufacturing a preform from thermoplastic resin flakes, comprises a decontamination apparatus removing contaminants in the thermoplastic resin flakes, and an injection molding apparatus injecting and molding the thermoplastic resin supplied from the decontamination apparatus.