Resin Container Pattern Positioning on Non-Cylindrical Preforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing resin containers face challenges in achieving high visibility, particularly when laser marking is performed on preforms due to difficulties in accurately positioning patterns on non-cylindrical surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A resin container manufacturing method that involves forming a first pattern on a preform using laser marking, followed by a second pattern based on the first pattern, ensuring accurate positioning and visibility, even on non-cylindrical surfaces, using low-cost optical devices like LEDs and PDs for recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If laser marking is performed on preform at the stage of preform, then manufacturing process is simplified, but visibility of the marked pattern on non-cylindrical surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidpattern visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming a first pattern on the preform before blow molding, then using this first pattern as a reference to form a second pattern at the final position where it will be visible on the completed container. This two-stage pattern formation ensures both ease of manufacture and high visibility by preparing the pattern in advance and then positioning it correctly on the non-cylindrical surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the first pattern as a copy or reference to create the second pattern. The first pattern is formed initially, then its position information is used to determine where to form the second pattern on the non-cylindrical surface. This copying approach allows the pattern to be accurately positioned on complex geometries while maintaining visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If single pattern formation method is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy on non-cylindrical surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern formation process complexityVSAvoidpattern positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pattern formation process into two distinct stages: forming a first pattern on the preform, then forming a second pattern based on the first pattern's position. This segmentation allows each stage to serve a specific function - the first pattern for positioning reference and the second pattern for final visibility - thereby achieving high positioning accuracy without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first pattern is formed as a preliminary action that establishes position information before the final pattern is created. This preliminary positioning enables accurate placement of the second pattern on non-cylindrical surfaces while keeping the overall process manageable through systematic breakdown of the formation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If complex image processing is used for pattern positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern positioning accuracyVSAvoidimage processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple copying approach where the first pattern serves as a direct reference for positioning the second pattern. Instead of using complex image processing systems, the position information from the first pattern is copied and transferred to determine the second pattern's location. This maintains high positioning accuracy while avoiding the cost and complexity of sophisticated image processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The first pattern can be considered a disposable reference element that is formed temporarily and then used to guide the formation of the second pattern. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex image processing systems by using a simple, inexpensive reference pattern that achieves the same positioning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This method enables the production of resin containers with enhanced visibility by accurately forming patterns on multiple surfaces without the need for complex image processing, reducing costs and maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the preform with a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

forming a first pattern on a preform (30) by changing properties of a base material constituting the preform (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4261009B1Resin container manufacturing method and resin container manufacturing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4261009B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4261009B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4261009B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A resin container manufacturing method includes: forming a first pattern (11) on a preform (30) of a resin container (40); and forming a second pattern (12) on the preform (30) based on a position of the first pattern (11) on the preform (30).