Preform Neck Extension Device for Liquid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing containers from preforms using liquid injection face issues with neck deformation and liquid spilling, leading to poor quality containers and reduced throughput due to high pressure injection and centrifugal forces during high-speed rotation.
Innovation Solution
A machine with an extension device that attaches to the neck of preforms, extending the neck length and providing a fluid-tight inner opening to prevent deformation and spilling, allowing for higher rotation speeds without liquid loss, featuring a connection part and extension part with a shoulder for sealing and proper nozzle alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure liquid injection is used to form containers from preforms, then forming speed and productivity are improved, but neck deformation occurs reducing manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The preform neck is segmented into two parts: the original neck and an added extension piece. The extension piece acts as a separate component that can be attached to the original neck, allowing the high-pressure injection to occur without directly affecting the original neck structure. This segmentation isolates the deformation risk to the extension piece while preserving the original neck integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension piece serves as an intermediary element between the injection nozzle and the original preform neck. It absorbs the mechanical stress and deformation from high-pressure liquid injection, protecting the original neck from deformation. The extension piece is designed to be replaceable, so any deformation occurs in this sacrificial component rather than in the critical original neck.
2Productivity
If containers are transported at high speed in rotation, then productivity is improved, but liquid spills due to centrifugal force
Solution Approach 1:
The extension piece extends the neck in the vertical dimension, creating a longer containment path for the liquid. This additional vertical dimension provides a buffer that prevents liquid from reaching the opening at the top during high-speed rotation, even when centrifugal force acts on the liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension piece is attached to the preform neck before the liquid injection and forming process. This preliminary action ensures that the extended neck structure is already in place to contain the liquid during subsequent high-speed transport, preventing spilling before the problem can occur.
3Productivity
If liquid spills during high-speed transport, then productivity is maintained, but mold and mold holder become soiled requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The extension piece acts as a protective barrier that prevents liquid from escaping the container during high-speed transport. By providing this additional containment structure beforehand, liquid spilling is prevented, and consequently, the molds and mold holders remain clean without requiring interruption for cleaning.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the extension piece length is increased to prevent liquid spilling, then liquid containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension piece is designed as a simple, inexpensive, and replaceable component. Rather than creating a complex permanent modification to the preform or container, the extension piece serves as a disposable or easily replaceable element that can be attached and detached without complex mechanisms. This keeps the overall device complexity low while effectively preventing liquid spilling.
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
The solution effectively prevents neck deformation and liquid spilling, enabling increased machine throughput by allowing safer, higher-speed rotation of containers filled with liquids, while maintaining cleanliness and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The injection is performed at a high pressure via an injection nozzle which is placed over the neck, or introduced in the neck, of the preforms
Implementation Method 2
The containers containing liquid are moved in rotation, which generates an important centrifugal force on the containers
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for producing a container from a preform having a body and a neck defining an inner cylindrical opening. The machine includes a container forming and filling station where the preform is placed in a mold having a molding cavity and a forming liquid is injected into the preform thereby forming and filling the container with a liquid. Prior to forming of the container, an extension device is attached to the neck of the preform thereby forming an assembly. The extension device includes a connection part for attaching to the preform and an extension part defining an inner opening extending in the continuity of the inner opening of the neck of the preform. The extension device remains attached to the neck of the preform at least during the forming and the filling of the container.