Convex Spherical Segment Rods for Glass Ribbon Support

The patent introduces cylindrical rods with convex spherical segments as intermediary elements between the glass ribbon and the support structure. These rods are levitated on fluid cushions, combining the low-friction advantage of fluid support with the mechanical stability of solid contact points. The spherical segments roll under the glass ribbon, providing stable support while minimizing friction through rolling motion rather than sliding.

The patent uses fluid cushions (pneumatic support) to levitate the cylindrical rods, allowing them to float without direct contact with the support surface. This pneumatic mechanism provides both levitation to minimize friction and sufficient load-bearing capacity to support the glass ribbon weight, while the cylindrical geometry and spherical segments maintain mechanical stability during temperature variations.

The patent replaces traditional sliding mechanical contact with rolling contact using cylindrical rods and convex spherical segments. Instead of the glass ribbon sliding directly over support surfaces, the spherical segments roll beneath it, substituting high-friction sliding mechanics with low-friction rolling mechanics. This reduces wear on the glass ribbon while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

The patent employs convex spherical segments on the cylindrical rods to create curved contact surfaces. These spherical elements roll under the glass ribbon, distributing the load and minimizing contact area and friction. The curved geometry enables rolling motion and reduces wear compared to flat, sliding contact surfaces, while adding only moderate structural complexity.

The patent changes the thermal parameters of the support system by selecting materials with high melting points and low thermal conductivity. This parameter change allows the cylindrical rods and spherical segments to maintain their mechanical properties at high temperatures and reduces heat transfer to the glass ribbon, improving thermal stability during conveyance through hot environments.

The patent employs composite material selection, combining materials with high melting points (such as ceramics or refractory metals) and low thermal conductivity for the cylindrical rods and spherical segments. This composite approach optimizes both thermal resistance and mechanical strength, enabling the support structure to withstand high temperatures while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of established high-temperature material systems.