Ball Joint Lance for Float Glass Edge Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge devices for handling glass ribbons in float chambers require a large amount of space outside the bath due to the need for significant displacement to orient the wheel relative to the glass ribbon, particularly for angulation movements, which limits efficiency and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A device with a wheel mounted on a lance featuring a ball joint for articulation and a constant velocity joint for transmission, allowing the wheel to be oriented in a plane not perpendicular to the lance, and a cooling system with separate fluid circuits, enabling compact design and precise control of the wheel's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel is mounted on a long lance to enable angulation movements for orienting the wheel relative to the glass ribbon, then the wheel can be positioned and oriented correctly, but the device requires a large amount of space outside the bath
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a compact lance assembly, a separate wheel assembly with its own bearings, and a ball joint connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall space requirement compared to a monolithic long-lance design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint enables the wheel to articulate in multiple dimensions (angular movements) at a fixed lance length, replacing the need for long linear displacement. This dimensional change in movement capability allows full orientation control within a compact radial footprint rather than requiring extensive linear space.
2Length of moving object
If the lance is made very long to position the wheel on the edge of the glass ribbon inside the bath, then the wheel can reach the glass edge, but the displacement required for angulation movements increases to 1.4 m
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities through ball joints and bearings, allowing the wheel to adjust its orientation quickly through rotational movements rather than requiring slow, large-displacement linear movements of a long lance. This dynamic adjustment reduces the time required for positioning and angulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical system of long-lance linear displacement with a compact articulation system using ball joints and rotational bearings. This substitution enables the same positioning and orientation functions to be achieved through rotational mechanics rather than translational mechanics, significantly reducing the time and displacement required.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple pairs of edge devices are added to produce thinner glass, then the desired thickness can be achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each wheel assembly is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit capable of handling various glass thicknesses through adjustable orientation and rotation. The ball joint and bearing system allow a single device to perform the work of multiple fixed-position devices, reducing the total number of edge devices needed while maintaining precise thickness control.
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 configuration reduces the need for extensive external space, enhances the ability to adjust the glass ribbon's thickness, and improves the overall efficiency of the glass handling process by allowing precise control and reduced bulk, while maintaining stability and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a ball joint is fixed to the end of the lance, and the wheel is articulated on this ball joint so as to allow the orientation of the wheel in a plane not perpendicular to the axis of the lance
Implementation Method 2
a means transmission of the rotational movement of the lance is provided to communicate the rotation to the wheel
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system with separate fluid circuits, enabling compact design and precise control of the wheel's orientation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for handling the edge of a ribbon of semi-molten glass moving over a liquid bath in a flotation chamber, including a thumbwheel (1) arranged at a distal end of a lance (8) capable of being rotated around the longitudinal geometric axis thereof; the thumbwheel (1) is pivotably mounted in a plurality of directions relative to the longitudinal geometric axis of the lance (8) and rotatably around the respective axis thereof, which may be different from the longitudinal geometric axis of the lance. The thumbwheel is hinged on a ball joint (4).