Adaptive Glass Bending Mold for Multi-Shape Sheet Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass shaping technologies require specific molds and frames for each shape, leading to high costs and limited flexibility due to the need for re-machining and adjustment of rigid tools, especially when dealing with different glass shapes, thicknesses, or colors.
Innovation Solution
A bending station with adaptable molds and frames using translational elements and flexible sheets, allowing for deformation of up to 5 mm, enabling the shaping of glass sheets with different shapes and thicknesses without the need for custom tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specific molds and frames are used for each glass shape, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal pressing frame and mold system that can accommodate multiple glass shapes and sizes through adjustable components. The frame includes adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured for different glazing geometries, eliminating the need for dedicated tools for each shape while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing frame incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with movable arms, adjustable positioning elements, and reconfigurable support structures. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt to different glass shapes, sizes, and bending requirements through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring separate static tools for each configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid molds and frames are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing frame incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with movable arms, adjustable positioning elements, and reconfigurable support structures. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt to different glass shapes, sizes, and bending requirements through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring separate static tools for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in the pressing frame geometry through adjustable arm positions, variable support point locations, and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms. These parameter adjustments allow the same rigid mold system to accommodate different glass shapes and bending radii while maintaining manufacturing precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If re-machining of molds is performed, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing frame incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities with movable arms, adjustable positioning elements, and reconfigurable support structures. These dynamic components allow the system to adapt to different glass shapes, sizes, and bending requirements through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring separate static tools for each configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in the pressing frame geometry through adjustable arm positions, variable support point locations, and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms. These parameter adjustments allow the same rigid mold system to accommodate different glass shapes and bending radii while maintaining manufacturing precision
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
The solution provides increased flexibility and reduces costs by allowing the shaping of various glass shapes and thicknesses using a universal mold and frame system, minimizing the need for re-machining and tooling adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the upper mold comprising a flexible sheet associated with an upper series of translational elements, the upper mold is able to deform under the effect of the translational elements of the upper series in order to obtain a deflection value varying by at least 5 mm
Data Source
AI summary
A bending station for a bending device, includes two bending molds, a pressing frame arranged to adapt to the glass sheet and to press it against an upper mold, the upper mold including a molding face, the area of which, defined by projecting the contour of the upper mold onto a horizontal plane, is greater than the area defined by projecting the outer contour of the pressing frame and the glass sheet onto the same horizontal plane, the pressing frame including a pressing ring having a continuous surface, the upper mold including a flexible sheet associated with an upper series of translational elements, wherein the upper mold is able to deform under the effect of the translational elements of the upper series in order to obtain a deflection value varying by at least 5 mm.