Dual-Elevation Edge Roll System for Glass Ribbon Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fusion downdraw process for glass sheet production results in sheet width attenuation and edge bead formation, leading to unstable ribbon shape and reduced usability of the glass sheet.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual-elevation edge roll technology with adjustable tilt angles and lateral positioning, combined with a coaxial locking collar assembly and support bracket, reduces sheet width attenuation and edge bead mass, enhancing process stability and product attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-elevation edge roll or dual-elevation edge rolls are used in fusion draw systems, then certain aspects of implementation are optimized, but sheet width attenuation and edge bead formation still occur leading to unstable ribbon shape
Solution Approach 1:
The edge rolls are made adjustable in elevation and tilt angle, allowing dynamic adaptation to different glass ribbon conditions. The ability to change roll positions and angles enables real-time optimization of the drawing process to minimize sheet width attenuation while maintaining process stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of critical parameters including edge roll elevation, tilt angle, and lateral positioning. By adjusting these parameters, the process can be optimized to reduce both sheet width attenuation and edge bead formation, resolving the contradiction between stability and precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If edge beads are formed at the edges of the sheet due to thickness and temperature differences, then the glass ribbon shape becomes unstable and permanent stresses are created, but the dual-elevation edge roll system aims to reduce edge bead mass
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-elevation edge roll system applies different pressures and temperatures at different locations across the glass ribbon width. By independently controlling the elevation and tilt of each edge roll, the system can locally adjust the drawing conditions at the edges to minimize bead formation while maintaining overall process stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful edge bead formation into a controllable parameter. By using adjustable edge rolls, the what would normally be a defect (edge beads) is transformed into an opportunity for localized process optimization, where controlled pressure and temperature application prevents bead formation while maintaining ribbon stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the glass ribbon is pulled downstream by pulling rolls, then the sheet thickness is controlled, but sheet width attenuation occurs during the viscous phase of the drawing process
Solution Approach 1:
The edge rolls are positioned to act on the glass ribbon during the viscous phase, before the material is pulled downstream by the pulling rolls. By pre-adjusting the ribbon width and edge conditions during this critical phase, the system prevents subsequent width attenuation that would occur during the pulling process, thereby maintaining both thickness control and width stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various improvements for dual-elevation edge roll system used in fused downdraw glass forming process are disclosed.