Preform Thermal Treatment Unit With Inter-Row Radiation Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal treatment units for preforms in container manufacturing inadvertently heat the necks of preforms due to radiation dispersion, leading to undesired heating and potential deformation, while targeted cooling methods are insufficient.

Innovation Solution

A thermal treatment unit with a blocking element positioned between rows of preforms to block radiation from heating elements, using absorbing and reflective materials to prevent neck heating, and optionally incorporating a cooling channel to manage heat absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heating elements are used to heat the body of preforms, then the body heating is improved, but the neck of preforms is inadvertently heated due to radiation dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody temperatureVSAvoidneck heating

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating elements and the necks of preforms. This blocking element intercepts and blocks the radiation that would otherwise reach the necks, preventing unwanted heating while allowing the body heating to proceed effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element absorbs the radiation that would be harmful to the necks and converts this energy into heat for the blocking element itself, which is then dissipated through cooling channels. This transforms the harmful radiation into a manageable thermal load on the blocking element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Temperature

If ventilation is used to cool the necks of preforms, then neck cooling is improved, but the body portion underneath the neck is also cooled, reducing heating efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneck temperatureVSAvoidheating energy

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element serves as a mediator that selectively intercepts radiation for the neck region while allowing the body region to receive full heating. This spatial separation of functions eliminates the need for ventilation cooling of the neck, as the blocking element physically prevents the harmful radiation from reaching the neck in the first place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If radiation from heating elements is allowed to disperse freely, then heating coverage is improved, but neck heating occurs due to radiation reaching rows furthest from the wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating coverageVSAvoidneck shape control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is positioned strategically to intercept the dispersed radiation before it can reach the necks of preforms on distant rows. This maintains the beneficial dispersed heating coverage for the bodies while preventing the harmful effect on the necks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element provides localized protection to the neck region while allowing the rest of the preform body to receive full heating. This local differentiation of thermal exposure ensures that the neck maintains its shape while the body achieves proper heating for deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively prevents neck heating without reducing body heating, ensuring even and efficient thermal treatment for preforms, particularly crucial for maintaining the definitive shape of the neck during subsequent deformation processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one blocking element extending between the first row (R1) and the second row (R2) so as to block radiation emitted by the first heating element toward the second grip and move system and to block radiation emitted by the second heating element toward the first grip and move system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the first wall having at least one first heating element and the second wall having at least one second heating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250276484A1Thermal treatment unit for preforms

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS

AI summary

Provided is a thermal treatment unit for preforms that includes an element for blocking radiation toward the neck of the preforms. The unit can include a first wall having a first heating element and a second wall having a second heating element, a first grip and move system for gripping and moving preforms on a first row, a second grip and move system for gripping and moving preforms on a second row. The unit also includes a blocking element extending between the first and second rows to block radiation emitted by the first heating element and the second heating element toward the second grip and move system and toward the first grip and move system, respectively.