Single-Line Blow Molding for Irrigation and Infusion Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production lines for irrigation and infusion containers require separate lines due to differing shapes, leading to increased space and maintenance costs, and modifying one line to produce both types results in further costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A process and system that allows production of both irrigation and infusion containers on a single line by selecting molds and using a mold selection unit, blow molding, and closing units to create containers suitable for both applications, with a mold selection step, blow molding, filling, and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate production lines are used for irrigation and infusion containers, then production requirements for each container type are met, but space requirements and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The production line is designed to produce both irrigation containers and infusion containers using the same molding machine and conveyor system. The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling a single production line to manufacture two different container types that serve different medical purposes, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated production lines and the associated space and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The production line incorporates dynamic mold selection capability, allowing the molding machine to switch between different mold configurations for producing irrigation containers (cylindrical shape) and infusion containers (rectangular-oval shape). This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to different production requirements without requiring separate fixed production lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the production line is modified to produce both container types, then versatility is improved, but further costs and production downtime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with pre-configured mold selection capability and interchangeable mold systems that allow rapid switching between container types. By preparing the mold selection mechanism and mold changeover procedures in advance, the system minimizes production downtime when transitioning between producing irrigation and infusion containers, avoiding the need for extensive production line modifications.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cylindrical shape is used for irrigation containers, then non-collapsibility during handling is achieved, but complete emptying capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The production system applies different geometric qualities to different container types based on their specific functional requirements. Irrigation containers are produced with a cylindrical shape that provides stability and resistance to collapse during handling and transport. Infusion containers are produced with a rectangular-oval shape that facilitates complete emptying by allowing the container walls to collapse inward as the liquid is dispensed. This local quality differentiation ensures each container type optimizes its shape for its intended use.
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 production of both irrigation and infusion containers on a single line, reducing space and maintenance costs while maintaining production efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
mold blowing, preferably extrusion mold blowing, in a blowing step the base container in the mold
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A process for producing a container, the process comprising the steps of selecting in a mold selection step a mold for a base container from a group of molds consisting of molds for a base container for infusion application and molds for a base container for irrigation; mold blowing, preferably extrusion mold blowing, in a blowing step the base container in the mold, whereby the base container comprises at least one opening; removing in a removal step the base container from the mold; filling in a filling step the base container with a liquid; closing in a closing step the base container thereby forming the produced container; sterilizing in a sterilization step the produced container; wherein the container is suitable for infusion application or for irrigation application