Glass Sheet Cutting Machine Dual Squaring Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet cutting machines face positioning errors when cutting smaller pieces, as the automatic squaring process magnifies alignment errors due to the unfavorable length ratio of the cut piece's sides, making precise orthogonal cutting challenging, especially when the smaller side rests on only one or two stop pins.
Innovation Solution
The glass sheet cutting machine employs two automated squaring systems: a primary system using a row of stop pins and an abutment bridge for larger pieces, and a secondary system with a shoulder and transverse movement device for smaller pieces, allowing precise alignment and rotation of the cut piece for accurate cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the automatic squaring process uses a limited number of stop pins for small cut pieces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to magnified alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stop pins into two distinct groups: a first group arranged in a first direction and a second group arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. This segmentation allows each group to independently support different edges of the cut piece, preventing the magnification of alignment errors that occurs when using a limited number of pins in a single row.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the second group of stop pins) that mediates the positioning process. Instead of relying solely on the first group of pins, the second group acts as an additional reference that stabilizes the positioning of small cut pieces, thereby reducing alignment errors without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cut piece is rotated by 90° for further cutting operations, then the adaptability of the machine is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates when the smaller side rests on only one or two stop pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stop pin support system into two orthogonal groups, allowing the machine to handle cut pieces in both orientations (before and after 90° rotation) with equal precision. Each group of pins is optimized for supporting specific edges, ensuring that even when the smaller side rests on limited pins after rotation, positioning accuracy is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-group stop pin arrangement creates a universal positioning system that functions effectively whether the cut piece is in its original orientation or rotated by 90°. The system can accommodate both cutting operations (before and after rotation) using the same pin groups, thereby maintaining positioning precision across different operational modes.
3Productivity
If the smaller side of the cut piece is very small, then the productivity is improved by reducing material waste, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to unfavorable length ratio between sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function across two orthogonal groups of stop pins, which enables precise positioning of small cut pieces with unfavorable length ratios. By distributing the support function across multiple pins in two directions, the system prevents the magnification of alignment errors that would otherwise occur with minimal pin contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the positioning system by arranging stop pins in two orthogonal directions rather than a single row. This parameter change transforms the positioning geometry to be more favorable for small cut pieces, maintaining precision even when the smaller side is very small and material utilization is maximized.
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 solution ensures precise and accurate positioning of glass sheets for cutting, reducing errors and enabling cutting of pieces with smaller sides by automatically selecting the appropriate squaring system based on the sheet's dimensions, enhancing the machine's flexibility and operational efficiency without requiring operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The table 3 is provided with air pressure supply systems for generating an air cushion on the support surface 4 and consequently reducing friction between the glass and the support surface 4.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A glass sheet cutting machine is provided with a support surface (4) and a cutting unit (18) controlled by a control unit (19) for cutting glass sheets (2) at a cutting bridge (12); the machine (1) has two squaring systems comprising respective movement devices controlled by the control unit (19) so as to position a front or rear edge of the sheet (2) against a first shoulder (A) and, respectively, for resting a side edge (33) of the glass sheet to be cut (2) against a second shoulder (B) orthogonal to the first shoulder (A); the control unit (19) is configured so as to select and control the one or the other of the squaring systems according to the shape of the glass sheet to be cut (2) and/or according to the length of at least one of the edges of the glass sheet to be cut (2).