Laminated Glass Cutting Machine with Adjustable Rack

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines for cutting laminated glass lack the flexibility and productivity to efficiently process plates of varying dimensions and require substantial homogeneity in cut portions, limiting their ability to maintain high productivity with a simple and cost-effective structure.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a rack system comprising vertically adjustable cross members and supporting arms, along with auxiliary conveying means like belt conveyors and lifting mechanisms, allows for flexible accumulation and rotation of cut glass portions, enabling efficient further division and processing without the need for uniform portion dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single cutting bridge is used with a simple waiting section, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is limited due to inability to accumulate multiple portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccumulation capacityVSAvoidwaiting section structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waiting section is segmented into multiple levels with independent shelves, allowing separate accumulation of different cut portions. Each shelf can be independently positioned and used, enabling the system to handle multiple portions simultaneously without requiring a completely complex new structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waiting section transitions from a single-plane surface to a multi-level three-dimensional rack structure. By adding the vertical dimension with adjustable shelves, the system dramatically increases accumulation capacity while maintaining a relatively compact footprint and manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cut portions must be homogeneous in dimensions, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to varied plate dimensions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling varied dimensionsVSAvoidportion dimension homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rack shelf positions are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the waiting section to dynamically adapt to different portion dimensions. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to handle varied plate dimensions while maintaining proper positioning and manufacturing precision for each specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The waiting section rack is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types and sizes of cut portions through its adjustable shelves. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to handle various plate dimensions and cutting patterns without requiring dedicated fixtures for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple cutting bridges are added to increase productivity, then the output increases, but the device complexity and cost increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting outputVSAvoidmultiple cutting bridges
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waiting section with multiple shelves allows cut portions to be accumulated and prepared in advance before the next cutting operation. This preliminary accumulation capability reduces idle time between cutting operations and enables smoother workflow without requiring additional cutting bridges, thereby maintaining productivity while avoiding the complexity of multiple bridges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2722297B1Machine for cutting a laminated glass plate with a waiting section provided with transport means
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 BIESSE SPA
  • EP2722297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2722297B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2722297B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine (M) for cutting a plate (G) of laminated glass comprises a main conveying surface (A) for conveying the plate of laminated glass (G) and the portions (G1, G2) cut therefrom, provided with means (B) for feeding the plate (G) or portions of plate (G1, G2) thereon in a longitudinal direction (L) of the machine. The machine further comprises a first cutting bridge (P1) set in a fixed position over the conveying surface (A) and oriented crosswise with respect to the aforesaid longitudinal direction (L), for carrying out operations of cutting of the plate (G) along a cutting line (p1) of the machine, transverse with respect to the aforesaid longitudinal direction (L), and at least one device (R1) for imparting a rotation of 90° in the horizontal plane on a portion of plate in the form of cross-cut portion (T) or cross-cut subportion after it has been obtained by means of a cutting operation at the cutting bridge (P1) so that the aforesaid cross-cut portion (T) or cross-cut subportion can in turn be further divided into subportions. Moreover provided are a second cutting bridge (P2) set downstream of the first cutting bridge (P1), and a waiting section (W) situated between the first and second cutting bridges (P1, P2), comprising a rack (10) having a plurality of shelves set on top of one another and apart from one another, which can be displaced vertically to bring any one of the shelves of the rack (10) to the level of the main conveying surface (A) so that the aforesaid waiting section is able to accumulate a plurality of portions of plate (G1, G2) on the aforesaid shelves set on top of one another and at a distance apart. The rack (10) comprises auxiliary conveying means (17) provided on board one or more of the aforesaid rack shelves (10) in order to bring about longitudinal advance of the portions of plate (G1, G2) set on top of the rack shelves.