Fluid Switch Glass Sheet Position Sensing in Heated Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glass sheet forming systems face challenges in accurately sensing the position of hot glass sheets within heated chambers, as mechanical actuation of electrical limit switches and electric eyes can be affected by heat, leading to unreliable actuation and interference with forming apparatus operations.
Innovation Solution
A glass sheet forming system that includes a location sensing assembly with a fluid switch mounted on a carriage, actuated by the conveyed glass sheet to provide a position sensing signal, and a lateral positioner to align the fluid switch with the glass sheet, along with a vertical adjuster to ensure proper positioning, allowing for accurate glass sheet transfer and forming cycle initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical limit switches or electric eyes are used to sense glass sheet position, then the forming cycle can be initiated, but the heat in the chamber affects the mechanical actuation of the switches and electromagnetic beams, leading to unreliable sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical limit switches and electric eyes with a fluid switch that uses pneumatic pressure sensing instead of mechanical actuation or electromagnetic beams. The fluid switch comprises a pressure-sensitive diaphragm that responds to glass sheet presence through air pressure changes, eliminating the harmful effects of heat on mechanical and electromagnetic components while maintaining reliable sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pressure as an intermediary medium between the glass sheet and the sensing mechanism. The fluid switch uses a diaphragm that responds to air pressure changes caused by the glass sheet's presence, allowing indirect sensing that is not directly affected by the high-temperature environment in the chamber
2Measurement precision
If the fluid switch is located adjacent the forming apparatus to sense glass position, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the switch interferes with the forming apparatus operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fluid switch laterally offset from the direct forming path, using a lateral positioner mechanism that allows the switch to sense glass position from the side rather than in the vertical forming zone. This dimensional repositioning enables accurate sensing without the switch interfering with the upward transfer and forming operations
3Measurement precision
If a lateral positioner is added to align the fluid switch with the glass sheet, then sensing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable lateral positioner that can move the fluid switch laterally to align with the glass sheet position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to variations in glass sheet placement while maintaining sensing accuracy, with the positioner being movable rather than fixed to provide flexibility without excessive complexity
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 ensures reliable and precise glass sheet positioning and transfer within the heated chamber, enhancing the forming process by maintaining effective actuation even in high-temperature environments and preventing interference with forming apparatus operations.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid switch is mounted by the carriage and is actuated by the conveyed glass sheet to provide a glass position sensing signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system (10) for forming glass sheets includes a glass location sensing assembly (80) having a fluid switch (82) that is actuated by a roller conveyed glass sheet (G) to control operation of transfer apparatus (69) that transfers the glass sheet from the roller conveyor (22) to a forming mold (48) at a design position for forming. A frame of the sensing assembly (80) supports a carriage (124) on which the fluid switch (82) is mounted for lateral movement with respect to the direction of conveyance of the glass sheet (G) so as to sense its leading extremity. A lateral positioner (130) adjusts the lateral position of the carriage (124) and the fluid switch (82) mounted on the carriage.