Twist Lock Blow Molded Sealing Flange for Fluid Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing blow molding process faces inefficiencies due to flash generation and inadequate sealing when joining blow molded parts with other components, which limits the reliability and durability of the connections.
Innovation Solution
A twist lock blow molded part with an integrally formed sealing flange and corresponding locking features, including a tapered section and protrusions, is designed to create a secure and lasting seal by deforming the flange upon insertion and rotation, enhancing the contact area and pressure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional blow molding process is used to join parts, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but sealing reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealing flange portion that provides the sealing interface, a body portion that forms the main structure, and locking features including protrusions and corresponding recesses. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing flange is designed to be deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt during the joining process. When the blow molded part is inserted into another part, the sealing flange deforms under compression to create an intimate seal, then maintains this deformed state to provide continuous sealing pressure.
2Reliability
If in-mold flash removal is implemented, then flash generation is controlled, but sealing at junctions remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange is pre-formed as an integral feature of the blow molded part during the initial molding process, before assembly. This preliminary formation ensures the sealing surface is precisely shaped and positioned, eliminating the need for subsequent sealing modifications while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the structural body of the blow molded part through the integrally formed sealing flange. This combination eliminates separate sealing components and simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable sealing through the unified structure.
3Area of stationary object
If sealing flange extends beyond wall thickness, then sealing contact area increases, but wall thickness uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing flange creates a localized region with enhanced thickness and sealing properties at the connection interface, while the main body of the blow molded part maintains uniform wall thickness. This local quality enhancement allows increased sealing contact area without compromising overall manufacturing precision or structural integrity.
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 solution provides improved sealing by increasing the contact surface area and pressure retention, resulting in a more reliable and leak-resistant connection between blow molded parts and other components, such as pipes or fittings.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing flange flexing upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the outer section and the sealing flange
Implementation Method 2
a maximum pressure is defined as a maximum fluid pressure against the sealing flange that can be sustained by the sealing flange to prevent fluid from exiting the blow molded part at the end
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.