Sealed Injection Molding for Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing blow molding methods result in high pressure within containers after liquid injection, leading to overflow and waste when vented to atmosphere, making it difficult to accurately measure the liquid volume for distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that maintain sealed fluid communication during the molding process, allowing controlled reduction of pressure within the container to atmospheric pressure, preventing overflow and enabling accurate measurement of the liquid volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the container is vented to atmosphere upon completion of the molding process, then the pressure is released, but the liquid overflows and spills from the container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a controlled pressure reduction path before complete venting. The transfer tube is positioned to allow gradual pressure equalization between the container and receiver vessel, preventing sudden overflow when atmospheric pressure is reached. This preliminary controlled decompression resolves the contradiction by managing the pressure release process to avoid liquid spillage.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid is sealed into the container for distribution, then product filling is achieved, but overflow results in waste and uncertainty of exact volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiver vessel as an intermediary component between the container and the environment. This intermediary receives excess liquid through the transfer tube during pressure reduction, acting as a buffer that prevents direct overflow from the container. This resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled intermediate stage for pressure equalization and liquid transfer, ensuring accurate volume measurement without waste.
3Shape
If high pressure is used during liquid injection, then the preform deforms into the mold shape effectively, but the container cannot be accurately measured for liquid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer tube and receiver vessel system acts as an intermediary measurement and control mechanism. During high-pressure injection, the system maintains sealing integrity. After formation, the controlled pressure reduction through the transfer tube allows precise monitoring and measurement of liquid volume transferred to the receiver, resolving the contradiction between effective high-pressure forming and accurate volume measurement.
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 approach reduces waste, lowers production costs, improves hygiene, and allows for precise determination of the liquid volume in containers, facilitating cleaner and more efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
injecting said quantity of liquid into said cavity of said preform, thereby increasing the pressure within said cavity and inducing said preform to deform into the shape of said mold
Implementation Method 2
inducing said preform to deform into the shape of said mold
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for the fabrication of a container from a substantially tubular preform (100) provided with an open end (101) communicating with a cavity (102) comprises the steps of positioning said preform (100) within a mold (103) which substantially defines a container such that said open end (101) of said preform (100) protrudes from said mold (103); providing an injection means (112, 118, 119, 123, 125) in sealed fluid communication with said open end (101) of said preform (100) which injects a quantity of liquid (130) into said cavity (102) of said preform (100), increasing the pressure within said cavity (102) and inducing said preform (100) to deform into the shape of said mold (103) and form a container; and then reducing the pressure within said container to atmospheric pressure while maintaining sealed fluid communication between said injection means (112, 118, 119, 123, 125) and said open end (102). Using said method for fabricating and filling a beverage container.