Automated Seaming System for Glass Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glass sheet seaming processes are limited by low throughput, requiring manual handling of individual sheets, precise positioning, and increased time for large sheets, with debris accumulation reducing grinding wheel effectiveness and potentially damaging the glass.
Innovation Solution
An automated seaming system utilizing a dual conveyor transport mechanism and robot arms with seaming heads that can process multiple sheets simultaneously, including large ones, and a vacuum system to manage debris, allowing for flexible operation and efficient edge processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one glass sheet is processed at a time using a grinding wheel with grooves, then the glass sheet edges can be seamed, but throughput is compromised and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seaming process is segmented into multiple parallel processing stations. Instead of processing one sheet at a time through a single grinding wheel, the system divides the work into multiple stations that can process multiple sheets simultaneously, each station having its own grinding wheel or seaming head
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-line sequential processing approach to a multi-dimensional parallel processing arrangement. Multiple grinding wheels are arranged in different spatial dimensions (multiple rows and columns) to process multiple sheets simultaneously at different stations
2Reliability
If a grinding wheel with grooves is used to seam glass sheets, then edge shaping is achieved, but particulates get imbedded within the grooves which limits effectiveness and may damage the glass sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful grooves are extracted from the grinding wheel surface. Instead of using a traditional grooved grinding wheel where debris accumulates, the system uses a smooth grinding wheel surface or alternative seaming mechanism that does not create grooves for debris accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of debris accumulation into a beneficial vacuum suction system. The vacuum system actively removes particulates from the seaming area, turning the potential harm of debris into a controlled removal process that maintains grinding wheel effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If the position of the glass at the seaming station is not carefully controlled, then processing can proceed, but the system cannot accommodate and process randomly positioned glass sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions before the seaming process. Position detection systems measure the location of glass sheets in advance, and positioning mechanisms (such as vacuum holders or mechanical clamps) adjust the glass to the correct position before seaming begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where position detection systems continuously monitor the location of glass sheets, and the control system adjusts the positioning mechanisms accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to accommodate randomly positioned glass while maintaining precise positioning during the seaming process
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 system significantly increases productivity by enabling simultaneous processing of multiple sheets, reduces seaming time for large sheets, and minimizes debris exposure to maintain grinding wheel effectiveness and prevent glass damage.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system to manage debris
Data Source
AI summary
A seaming station and method of seaming utilizing two robot arms with seaming heads coupled thereto to seam a large lite by working in conjunction with one another or simultaneously seaming two lites independently of one another.