Two-Axis Blow Mandrel Handling for Inclined Neck Molds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blow molding machines face challenges in efficiently producing hollow bodies with inclined necks due to complex adjustments of blow mandrel angles and large installation spaces required for uniaxial movement, making it difficult to adapt to differently inclined sections and optimize space usage.

Innovation Solution

A two-axis movement system for blow mandrels within a plane, allowing independent vertical and horizontal movement, reduces installation space and simplifies the insertion process, with a detachable blow mandrel holder and integrated air and cooling channels, enabling easy angle adjustments and minimizing tubing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If uniaxial movement of blow mandrels in the direction of their longitudinal axis is used, then the blow mandrels can be inserted into the blow mold, but the installation space of the blow mold becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space of blow moldVSAvoidease of inserting blow mandrels
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from uniaxial movement to two-axis movement of the blow mandrels. The blow mandrels are now moved not only in the direction of their longitudinal axis but also in a direction perpendicular to it, within a plane. This dimensional change allows the mandrels to be inserted into inclined sections of the blow mold more easily while reducing the required installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the angle of inclination of blow mandrels is adapted to differently inclined sections of blow molds, then hollow bodies with different neck inclinations can be produced, but the adjustment becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to differently inclined sectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of angle adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the angle of inclination of the blow mandrels adjustable rather than fixed. The handling device is configured to move the blow mandrels in two axes, allowing the angle of inclination to be dynamically adapted to match differently inclined sections of the blow mold. This dynamic adjustment capability enables versatility in producing hollow bodies with various neck inclinations without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If two-axis movement system is implemented, then installation space is reduced and mandrel insertion is facilitated, but the handling device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space of blow moldVSAvoidcomplexity of handling device
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling device is designed with multi-functionality to manage the two-axis movement system. It not only moves the blow mandrels in two axes but also simultaneously performs calibration of the inclined neck and positioning functions. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3705260B1Blowing tool for a blow moulding machine
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 KRUPP KAUTEX MASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP3705260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3705260B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

To create a blow mold for a blow molding machine for producing hollow bodies with a slanted neck, requiring only a small installation space and facilitating the insertion of the blow mandrels into the mold, it is proposed to provide a handling device for the blow mandrels that enables two-axis movement of the blow mandrels within a plane. Specifically, the problem is solved by the blow mold having at least one blow mandrel holder, wherein at least one blow mandrel is arranged on each blow mandrel holder, each blow mandrel is arranged at an angle to the horizontal at a corresponding angle, and the handling device comprises a two-axis system configured to move each blow mandrel holder in a first, preferably vertical, direction and/or a second, preferably horizontal, direction within a plane.