US 12,337,513 B2
Injection molding system for forming a pressure vessel
Sami Siddiqui, Livonia, MI (US); Xiankai Song, Livonia, MI (US); and Longhan Chen, Livonia, MI (US)
Assigned to WAL Fuel Systems USA Inc., Livonia, MI (US)
Filed by WAL Fuel Systems USA Inc., Livonia, MI (US)
Filed on Nov. 15, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/509,811.
Prior Publication US 2025/0153407 A1, May 15, 2025
Int. Cl. B29C 45/27 (2006.01); B29L 31/00 (2006.01)
CPC B29C 45/2708 (2013.01) [B29C 2045/2709 (2013.01); B29L 2031/7156 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An injection molding system for forming a pressure vessel, the injection molding system comprising:
an injector configured to compress and propel a polymeric material therethrough in a liquid state; and
a mold body mounted to and in fluid communication with the injector, the mold body defining a cavity for receiving the polymeric material in the liquid state and forming the pressure vessel as the polymeric material cools to a solid state, the cavity comprising:
a mold portion configured to form the pressure vessel, wherein the mold portion has a substantially annular configuration that surrounds an axis and extends longitudinally along the axis between a first mold end and a second mold end; and
a transport portion in fluid communication with the mold portion and the injector and configured to transmit the polymeric material from the injector to the mold portion, wherein the transport portion comprises:
a sprue connected to the injector and extending between the injector and the first mold end of the mold portion;
runners connected to the sprue and extending radially from the axis; and
gates connected to each of the runners and to the first mold end of the of the mold portion spaced around the substantially annular configuration.