Preform Heating Oven with Transfer Paths for Flexible Temperature Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blow molding systems struggle to adapt to changing conditions requiring different preform temperature profiles while maintaining continuous or high throughput production of containers.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple heating means with transfer mechanisms to impart and switch between different temperature profiles, allowing preforms to be selectively transferred and dispensed to achieve desired temperature settings for efficient blow molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating zones are used to provide different temperature profiles, then adaptability to different preform requirements is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different preform requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into multiple independently controllable heating zones along the preform path. Each zone can be adjusted to provide different temperature profiles, allowing adaptation to various preform requirements while maintaining modular complexity management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating zones are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing temperature and timing parameters to be changed based on different preform types and blow molding requirements, providing versatility without permanent structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating means with transfer mechanisms are implemented, then versatility in temperature profiling is improved, but system footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility in temperature profilingVSAvoidsystem footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple heating means are merged into a single integrated heating system with shared transfer mechanisms and control architecture. This consolidation provides versatile temperature profiling capabilities while reducing the overall system footprint compared to separate independent heating units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system is designed with multi-functional heating zones that can serve different temperature profiling requirements through programmable control. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple dedicated heating stations, reducing space requirements while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If preforms are heated according to specific temperature profiles, then blow molding quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblow molding qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the preform receive differentiated heating according to their specific requirements. Critical areas receive higher temperatures and longer exposure, while less critical areas receive minimal heating, optimizing energy distribution to achieve required blow molding quality with reduced total energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system applies temperature profiles in advance during the heating phase, ensuring preforms reach optimal temperatures before blow molding. This preliminary preparation improves subsequent molding quality while allowing for energy-efficient heating cycles that prevent excessive energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 flexible and efficient production of containers with varying preform characteristics by maintaining continuous throughput and adapting to changing conditions, optimizing thermal energy absorption and reducing system footprint.

Implementation Method 1

Heating can be performed by various means, including infrared radiation using an infrared oven, to effect defined and uniform temperature control of the preforms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The forming temperature employed during the blow molding process can therefore be a determinative factor in the resultant container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12539659B2Heating oven and method of use

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 DISCMA AG

AI summary

Ways to produce a plurality of preform (5) temperature profiles are provided that employ systems having a first heating means, a second heating means, and a first transfer means. The a first heating means has a first preform (5) path, imparts a first temperature profile to a preform (5) passing through the first preform (5) path, and has a first dispensing means configured to selectively dispense the preform (5) passing through at least a portion of the first preform (5) path. The second heating means has a second preform (5) path, imparts a second temperature profile to a preform (5) passing through the second preform (5) path, and has a second dispensing means configured to selectively dispense the preform (5) passing through at least a portion of the second preform (5) path. The first transfer means selectively transfers a preform (5) between the first preform (5) path and the second preform (5) path.