Dual Moveable Table Glass Sheet Loading Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet cutting plants face inefficiencies due to the limitations of the sheet loading/unloading machine, which prevents increasing production frequency beyond a certain point, as the machine waits for the non-scored sheet portion to be unloaded and stored before loading a new extended sheet, resulting in the scoring machine being idle.
Innovation Solution
A glass sheet loading/unloading unit with a dual moveable table system, where one table supports the extended sheet for scoring and another for the separated non-scored piece, allowing simultaneous operation and continuous availability of sheets for scoring by positioning the tables orthogonally and vertically to facilitate seamless transfer and storage without interrupting the cutting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the loading/unloading machine waits for the non-scored sheet portion to be unloaded and stored before loading a new extended sheet, then the sheet transfer process is simplified, but the scoring machine remains idle and production frequency cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The loading/unloading machine is divided into two separate tables: a first table for supporting extended sheets to be scored and a second table for supporting non-scored sheet portions. This segmentation allows independent operation of each table, enabling the scoring machine to receive a new extended sheet immediately after completing a scoring operation, without waiting for the non-scored portion to be stored. The scoring machine thus operates continuously, eliminating idle time and increasing production frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The first table is positioned and prepared in advance to receive and hold the next extended sheet ready for scoring. While the scoring machine is processing the current sheet, the first table already has the subsequent sheet positioned and ready, so that as soon as the scoring machine completes its operation, the next sheet is immediately available for scoring. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time and enables continuous operation.
2Productivity
If a single table is used for both loading and unloading operations, then the device structure is simpler, but the scoring machine must wait for sheet operations to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The single table is segmented into two separate tables: a first table dedicated to supporting extended sheets awaiting scoring, and a second table dedicated to supporting non-scored sheet portions after separation. This functional segmentation allows both tables to operate independently and simultaneously, enabling the scoring machine to maintain continuous operation without waiting for sheet transfer or storage operations, thereby increasing scoring machine utilization despite the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first table acts as an intermediary between the sheet store and the scoring machine, holding extended sheets ready for scoring. The second table acts as an intermediary between the scoring machine and the non-scored sheet store, receiving and holding non-scored portions. These intermediary tables buffer the scoring machine from waiting for sheet operations, allowing continuous scoring operations while sheets are being transferred and stored.
Data Source
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AI summary
A glass sheet working plant (1) is fed by a sheet loading/unloading unit (5) having a self-moving frame (7) and two tables (12) (18) having respective resting surfaces (13)(19) of a respective sheet (2)(2A); the two tables (12) (18) being superimposed on each other, moveable with respect to each other and selectively moveable to an operating sheet receiving/transferring position, in which the respective resting surfaces (13)(19) extend in a position substantially coplanar to a working surface (6) of the working plant (1) either to advance a sheet (2) to be worked or to receive a piece (2A) of sheet from the working plant (1) itself.