Injection-Molded Preform with Integrated Flip-Top Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing plastic containers with integrated closure parts via injection-molding and blow-molding face challenges in ensuring a reliable and cost-effective connection between the closure part and the preform, often requiring specialized equipment and increasing production costs due to the complexity of handling and positioning the closure part during the blow-molding process.
Innovation Solution
An injection-molded preform with a flip-top closure part connected via injection molding, where the closure part's inner wall rests directly on the outer surface of the neck section, providing a reliable and indestructible connection through a combination of positive, frictional, or integral connections, eliminating the need for additional positioning and handling precautions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure part is integrally injected and connected to the preform via a hinge, then the closure part is integrated with the preform, but the handling becomes complex and requires special equipment precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The closure part is separated from the preform connection structure (hinge/strap). Instead of integrating the closure with a flexible hinge that requires special handling, the closure is directly injection-molded onto the preform neck, eliminating the hinge component and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure part and preform are merged into a single integral structure through direct injection molding. The closure is formed as one piece with the preform neck, eliminating separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing device complexity and handling requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge connection is used to attach the closure part, then the closure can be opened and closed, but the hinge may be damaged during blow-molding and requires specially configured mold tools
Solution Approach 1:
The closure part is pre-formed with its final shape and positioning features during the initial injection molding of the preform. The closure is molded in its open position and then directly integrated onto the preform neck, eliminating the need for subsequent hinge attachment and special mold configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection mechanism is extracted/removed from the design. Instead of using a hinge that requires protection during blow-molding, the closure is directly molded onto the preform, eliminating the vulnerable hinge component and the need for specially configured mold tools.
3Reliability
If the closure part is connected via a hinge, then integration is achieved, but additional positioning and handling precautions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The closure part and preform are merged into a single integral structure through direct injection molding. This eliminates the hinge connection and all associated positioning and handling precautions, making the operation simpler while maintaining reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An injection-molded preform is disclosed for production of a plastic container by a blow-molding method with an elongated, tube-like body, which is closed on its one longitudinal end and has a neck section that is provided with a pour opening on its other longitudinal end, which neck section includes an injection molded connection to an injection molded closure part, wherein the closure part includes: a flip-top closure and an annular section with an inner wall, which inner wall rests directly on an outer surface of the neck section and completely encloses an annular area of the outer surface of the neck section.