Adjustable Glass Sheet Support Structure for Precision Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass processing technologies face challenges in supporting heated glass sheets during shaping and cooling operations, often resulting in shape inaccuracies and potential damage from thermal contact and quench fluid disruption.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a frame, an adjustable support ring, and multiple rib assemblies with adjustable support members that make point contact with the glass sheet, allowing for precise shaping and minimal thermal contact, enabling the glass sheet to be maintained in desired shapes until sufficiently cooled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support structures are used to support heated glass sheets, then the glass sheet can be supported during processing, but the glass sheet experiences thermal contact and disruption to quench fluid flow causing shape inaccuracies and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support members act as intermediaries between the frame and the glass sheet, providing minimal contact through point or line contact rather than surface contact. This intermediary approach reduces thermal transfer and fluid disruption while maintaining support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical support systems with adjustable support members that can be precisely positioned and configured. The support members are adjustable in position and orientation to optimize support while minimizing interference with the glass sheet and processing operations
2Reliability
If traditional support structures are used, then the glass sheet can be supported, but the glass sheet surface may be damaged from thermal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support members serve as intermediaries that minimize direct thermal contact with the glass sheet. By using point or line contact rather than broad surface contact, the thermal energy transfer is reduced, preventing damage to the glass sheet surface during heating and cooling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure implements local quality by concentrating support contact at specific points or lines rather than across the entire glass sheet surface. This localized contact approach minimizes the area exposed to thermal transfer while maintaining adequate support
3Device complexity
If fixed support structures are used, then the structure is simple, but the glass sheet cannot be shaped in various curved or flat configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are made adjustable in position, orientation, and configuration, transforming a static support structure into a dynamic one. This allows the support structure to adapt to different glass sheet shapes and processing requirements while maintaining relative simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support members provide multi-functionality by being capable of supporting glass sheets in various configurations (curved or flat) and at different stages of processing. A single support structure can serve multiple shaping functions through adjustment of the support members
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for supporting a heated glass sheet in connection with a bending operation includes a frame, a support ring adjustably supported on the frame for supporting a peripheral portion of the glass sheet, and multiple rib assemblies associated with the frame. Each rib assembly includes a laterally extending rib supported on the frame and multiple spaced apart support members connected to the rib and configured such that at least a portion of each support member is adjustable with respect to the rib. Furthermore, each support member is configured to contact a respective inner portion of the glass sheet to support the respective inner portion of the glass sheet until the glass sheet has been sufficiently cooled.