Glass Bending Intermediate Support Reduces Roller Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass bending methods often result in optical defects and marks on the central region of glass sheets due to prolonged contact with rollers during the bending process, which is problematic for high-value glass applications.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving an intermediate support with lower curvatures than the final shape, combined with a separate pressing means such as pneumatic or mechanical forces, to quickly lift the glass sheet off the rollers and press it against an upper bending mold, minimizing contact time and reducing the risk of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the pressing frame lifts the glass sheet slowly while maintaining contact with the central region, then the sheet can be properly formed against the top form, but the prolonged contact time with rollers causes marks or optical defects in the central region
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support performs a preliminary action by rapidly lifting the glass sheet to the curved position before the pressing frame arrives. This preliminary lifting action removes the glass from roller contact in advance, preventing the harmful prolonged contact that causes optical defects, while still allowing the pressing frame to subsequently form the glass against the top form
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate support acts as an intermediary device between the rollers and the pressing frame. It temporarily supports the glass sheet in the curved position, mediating the transition from flat to curved state without requiring prolonged roller contact, thus protecting the glass central region from marks while enabling proper positioning for pressing
2Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate support touches all areas of the glass including the central area, then the glass is prevented from sagging, but the intermediate support may mark the glass in the central area which is the most critical area
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support is designed with local quality by making it curved rather than flat. This curvature allows it to support the glass sheet in a way that prevents sagging in the central area without requiring direct contact with the most critical central region, thus maintaining structural stability while avoiding marks on the glass surface
3Manufacturing precision
If a pneumatic force is used to press the glass against the upper form, then the pressing can be applied uniformly, but the pneumatic force takes time to become effective requiring the sheet to be lifted quickly by the intermediate support
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support performs preliminary action by rapidly lifting the glass sheet to the curved position before the pneumatic pressing force is applied. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for prolonged roller contact during the time it takes for the pneumatic force to become effective, while still allowing uniform pneumatic pressing to be applied subsequently for precise forming
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 approach effectively reduces the contact time with rollers, minimizing the occurrence of optical defects and ensuring a more accurate, defect-free bending of glass sheets, particularly in critical areas like the central region.
Implementation Method 1
The means for pressing the sheet against the upper form can be pneumatic, such as a blower from below blowing between the rollers on the underside of the sheet
Implementation Method 2
Suction from the upper surface of the sheet can be exerted through openings formed in the convex face of the upper mold
Data Source
Figure 1~5c
Figure 2~2f
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for bending sheets of glass, comprising conveying rollers conveying the sheets of glass one behind the other in a longitudinal direction and bringing same one after the other under an upper bending mould and onto a receiving surface moulded by the upper level of rollers under the upper bending mould, said apparatus comprising an intermediate support having a contact track for supporting the sheet located under the upper bending mould, referred to as the sheet to be pressed, said contact track having, parallel to the edge of the sheet to be pressed, a curvature that is less accentuated than that which is to be imparted by the upper mould, said intermediate support being able to rise above the receiving surface and to support the sheet to be pressed until loss of contact of the sheet with the rollers, said intermediate support being able to descend below the receiving surface, a pressing means of the sheet being able to press the periphery of the sheet against the upper bending mould. The invention also relates to a method for bending sheets of glass using the apparatus.