Thermoforming Mold Block Label Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for placing bottom labels and side decorations on thermoformed containers are inefficient, requiring complex pre-cutting and storage of labels, and often necessitate additional recovery operations, which increase production costs and complicate the thermoforming process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that pivotally mount mold blocks to allow for the introduction of bottom labels and side decorations through the open edge of thermoforming chambers, cutting labels directly from strips in a parallel plane to the chamber bottom, and orienting side labels against the chamber walls, enabling simultaneous placement during the thermoforming process without the need for pre-cut labels or complex grippers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional labeling devices are used to glue bottom labels after container manufacture, then labeling can be performed, but the process requires additional recovery operations and increases production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the labeling operation with the thermoforming process by introducing bottom labels through the open edge of the thermoforming chamber during the forming operation. This merges two previously separate operations (labeling and container formation) into a single integrated process, eliminating the need for post-thermoforming recovery operations and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the labeling action before the container is fully thermoformed by introducing bottom labels through the open edge of the chamber while the mold block is in a tilted position. This preliminary placement of labels allows the labeling to be completed as part of the forming process rather than requiring separate post-processing steps.
2Reliability
If detachable tabs are placed on container bottoms through the bottom of thermoforming chambers, then mold release orifices can be masked, but this requires significant space under the mold block and special thermoforming chamber machining
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing tabs through the bottom of the thermoforming chamber as conventionally done, the patent introduces bottom labels through the open edge of the chamber. This inverted approach eliminates the need for special chamber machining and reduces the space required under the mold block while achieving the same functional result of masking the mold release orifice.
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-cut labels are stored and individually conforming is performed, then labels can be placed on containers, but this generates high production costs and requires complex equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the label from the pre-cut and stored state, instead introducing continuous label strips through the open edge of the thermoforming chamber. This eliminates the need for complex grippers and individual label handling equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining placement accuracy through the guided introduction of labels during the forming process.
4Productivity
If thermoforming is carried out step by step in a thermoplastic material conveyor, then containers can be formed, but access to the open edge of the thermoforming chamber is hindered by the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic positioning of the mold block, which can be rotated between a working position for thermoforming and a tilted position for label introduction. This dynamic repositioning allows the open edge of the chamber to be accessible for label insertion while maintaining continuous thermoforming capability through the conveyor system.
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 simplifies the placement of bottom labels and side decorations, reduces production costs, and integrates label placement into the thermoforming process, eliminating the need for post-thermoforming labeling operations and allowing for efficient installation on multiple rows of containers.
Implementation Method 1
the mold block is pivoted about a tilting axis to place said block in a first tilted position
Implementation Method 2
the bottom label is pushed into the thermoforming chamber through the open edge of this chamber
Implementation Method 3
a container is thermoformed in this chamber while said mold block is in the working position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention comprises providing at least a first mould block (20A), placing the block in a first tilted position (B1) for urging a bottom label (32A) into a thermoforming chamber (24) of the block through the open edge (24B) of said chamber until the label reaches the bottom of said chamber, and pivoting the mould block until it reaches a work position (T) for forming a vessel in the chamber. The mould can assume a second tilted position (B2) for placing a side decoration in the chamber.