Glass Cutting Machine Automatic Positioning Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glass cutting machines face challenges in automating the positioning of glass sheets, particularly with large or small pieces, due to limitations in rotational movement and space requirements, leading to difficulties in managing diagonal cuts and narrow strips, and require significant operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A machine with grip and handling means that allow translational motion and rotation about an axis positioned along the cutting line, using a clamp system with an actuation assembly for precise positioning and movement, enabling automatic handling and repositioning of glass sheets for efficient cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sucker-based rotation system with fixed fulcrum is used, then rotation and movement of the sheet can be achieved, but it is not possible to turn sheet portions whose diagonal exceeds a certain size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotation axis movable along the cutting line rather than fixed. The grip and handling means can position the rotation axis at different locations depending on the sheet size and cutting requirements, enabling the system to adapt to sheets of varying dimensions including large diagonals that would exceed the capability of a fixed-fulcrum system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the handling system into separate functional components: grip means for securing the sheet, actuation assembly for rotation, and translation means for moving along the cutting line. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and combined flexibly to handle different sheet sizes and cutting configurations
2Ease of operation
If a sucker-based system is used, then gripping and handling can be performed, but it has a considerable footprint in terms of space and requires a certain contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sucker-based mechanical system with a clamp-based mechanical system. The clamp uses jaws that can grip the sheet at specific points without requiring a large contact area, and the entire handling mechanism is designed to operate in a more compact space, reducing the footprint while maintaining effective gripping and handling capabilities
3Extent of automation
If automatic positioning means are implemented, then automation of positioning operations can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the grip and handling means to perform multiple functions: gripping the sheet, rotating it about an axis, and translating along the cutting line. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, thereby achieving automation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A machine (1) for cutting glass sheets in general, and laminated glass in particular, with automatic positioning means, comprising, on a supporting frame, a worktable (2) for supporting at least one sheet (L), at least one cutting assembly being provided on the worktable (2) acting along a cutting line (T), the machine further comprising means (10) for gripping and handling at least one portion (Ls) of the sheet (L) being worked, which can rotate about an axis which can be positioned on the cutting line (T) and can perform a translational motion along the cutting line (T).