Bag-in-Bottle Preform Interlock Embedding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bag-in-bottle container preforms require complex processes and machine modifications to prevent interlock damage during the blow-molding process, as the interlock must be kept cool to avoid deformation or separation of layers.

Innovation Solution

A preform design where the interlock is embedded into the inner layer of the outer layer, allowing for connection without requiring heat shielding or machine modifications, achieved by forming the interlock as part of the outer layer and then embedding it into the inner layer during the molding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the preform is heated during the blow-molding process to form the desired shape, then the preform can be formed to the desired shape, but the interlock must be kept cold to avoid damage and deformation or separation of layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreform shape formationVSAvoidinterlock integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The preform is divided into distinct regions: the interlock region and the body region. Different thermal treatments are applied to each region - the interlock is kept cool while the body is heated, allowing simultaneous protection of the interlock and formation of the preform shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different thermal conditions are applied to different parts of the preform. The interlock region maintains a cool state to preserve its structural integrity, while the body region is heated to enable plastic deformation and shape formation during blow-molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If heat shielding is placed around the interlock or air is blown on the interlock to limit temperature increase, then the interlock temperature is controlled, but complex processing and machine modifications are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterlock temperature controlVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The preform design inherently protects the interlock through its structural configuration and material properties. The interlock is formed as an integral part of the preform with automatic thermal management during the blow-molding process, eliminating the need for external heat shielding or cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If the interlock is connected to the outer layer to connect inner and outer layers, then the bag-in-bottle structure is formed, but the interlock is exposed to heat damage and deformation during blow-molding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer connectionVSAvoidinterlock damage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interlock is embedded within the outer layer of the preform, with the stem extending through the outer layer and the head portion nested within it. This nested configuration protects the interlock from direct heat exposure while maintaining its structural connection function between the inner and outer layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 formation of bag-in-bottle containers without complex processing or machine changes, ensuring the interlock remains intact and reducing the risk of damage during the blow-molding process, thus facilitating efficient production.

Implementation Method 1

the preform is typically heated such that the preform can be formed to the desired shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the interlock must be kept cold, in order to avoid damage and deformation of the interlock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS9981407B2Preforms and processes for making bag in bottle containers
Publication Date: 2018.05.29 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • US9981407B2 patent drawing
  • US9981407B2 patent drawing
  • US9981407B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A preform including a preform neck; a preform body extending from the neck; and a preform end cap extending from the preform body; wherein the body and end cap have: an inner layer having an inner layer inner surface and an inner layer outer surface; an outer layer having an outer layer inner surface and an outer layer outer surface; wherein the inner layer is positioned interior to the outer layer, characterized in that outer layer in the end cap have an interlock, wherein the interlock includes a stem and a head extending from the stem, the interlock being connected to the outer layer inner surface by the stem, such that the inner layer and outer layer are connected in the end cap by the interlock.