Stretch Rod Apertures for Preform Blowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container formation methods, such as blow-molding, require additional apparatus like blow nozzles for inflating preforms into containers, which can complicate the process and may lead to inefficiencies in shaping and forming precise container geometries.

Innovation Solution

A stretch rod with multiple apertures, allowing compressed air to be blown through its body to stretch and shape preforms into containers, eliminating the need for separate blow nozzles and enhancing control over the shaping process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a separate blow nozzle is used to inflate the preform, then the inflation function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the precision of container geometry formation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidprecision of container geometry formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blow nozzle function directly into the stretch rod by creating apertures in the stretch rod body. This merging eliminates the need for a separate blow nozzle apparatus, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining precise control over air delivery to the preform for accurate container geometry formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stretch rod is given multiple functions: it serves both as the stretching element that elongates the preform and as the blow nozzle that delivers compressed air for inflation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while improving the precision of the forming process through integrated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple apertures are added to the stretch rod for precise air delivery, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of container geometry formationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements apertures at specific locations and orientations on the stretch rod body to deliver air precisely where needed during the forming process. This localized air delivery through strategically positioned apertures enables precise control over container geometry formation, including complex shapes, while the apertures remain integrated into the existing stretch rod structure rather than adding separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If compressed air is blown through the stretch rod to form complex shapes, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the risk of preform sticking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of container geometry formationVSAvoidrisk of preform sticking

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent delivers compressed air through the stretch rod apertures before the preform fully contacts the mold walls during the forming process. This preliminary air delivery creates a protective air layer that prevents the heated preform from sticking to the mold surfaces, allowing precise formation of complex container shapes without the harmful sticking effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for precise formation of containers by directing air through strategically arranged apertures on the stretch rod, improving the efficiency and precision of the container formation process without additional equipment, enabling the creation of complex shapes and reducing the risk of preform sticking.

Implementation Method 1

compressed air is blown through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures of the stretch rod to form the blown container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

directing high pressure compressed air through a plurality of apertures arranged on the stretch rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20220118672A1Stretch rod for inflating a preform

Publication Date: 2022.04.21 DT INVENTIONS LLC

AI summary

A stretch rod for blowing a preform into a container is disclosed. The stretch rod includes a hollow, cylindrical body that is made of metal, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The body of the stretch rod includes a handle pocket zone with the first plurality of apertures and an optional zone disposed on the stretch rod below the handle pocket zone, the optional zone including the second plurality of apertures. Compressed air is blown through the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures of the stretch rod to form the blown container.