Water-Soluble Container Compression Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing water-soluble containers for washing and cleaning agents, such as injection-molding, are costly due to the need for frequent mold changes and lack efficiency in filling the containers with agents like liquids, gels, or powders.
Innovation Solution
The method employs compression molding, where a water-soluble material is introduced into a tool with a void shape, closed under pressure to form the container, allowing for easy filling and reduced energy consumption, with tools designed for independent component exchange for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If injection-molding method is used to produce water-soluble containers, then molded parts can be economically produced in large quantities, but tools with molds are required and mold exchange is associated with high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the molding function from a complex injection-molding tool system and implements it through a simpler compression molding process using basic platens, eliminating the need for elaborate injection systems, molds, and tooling infrastructure while maintaining mass production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex, and durable injection-molding tools with simpler, less expensive compression molding platens that can be easily exchanged or replaced, reducing tooling investment and making the system more adaptable to different container designs
2Manufacturing precision
If injection-molding method is used, then containers can be produced with optimal dosage, but the method requires liquefying material and cooling or cross-linking reactions which consume energy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the processing parameters from high-temperature liquefaction and cooling cycles to ambient or mild temperature compression molding, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to produce containers with precise dosage through controlled material placement and compression
3Productivity
If injection-molding method is used, then containers can be produced in large quantities, but mold exchange is always associated with changes to the whole tool resulting in high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the tooling system into simple, independent compression platens that can be individually modified or exchanged without affecting the entire tool, allowing rapid adaptation to different container designs with minimal cost and time investment while maintaining high production output
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 reduces production costs by lowering temperature requirements and enabling efficient filling and sealing of containers, achieving short cycle times and flexible container design, thus improving the production efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
closing the tool by applying an upper part of the tool to the lower part and building up pressure to form the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a container for washing and/or cleaning agents from a water-soluble material and to a container that is obtained in accordance with the method as contemplated herein.