Glass Sheet Cutting Machine Multi-Level Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet cutting methods are inefficient due to the need for continuous repositioning and retraction of remaining sheet portions, leading to positioning errors, underutilization of cutting machines, and occupation of additional surfaces, especially when cutting large crosspieces.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine design that allows for the cutting of glass sheets with a machine featuring independent sheet feed devices and a storage system that enables efficient handling and storage of crosspieces, minimizing repositioning and collision risks, and optimizing machine usage by treating each crosspiece as a separate sheet for cutting and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the remaining sheet portion is retracted and lifted after cutting a crosspiece to avoid collisions, then collision avoidance is achieved, but the operating machine must be kept in stand-by, resulting in under-use of the machine and loss of productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing a multi-level support surface system. The support surface is divided into multiple levels (first support surface and second support surface at different heights), allowing remaining sheet portions to be relocated vertically rather than requiring retraction in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change enables the cutting head to access the first support surface while remaining portions are stored on the second support surface, eliminating collisions without stopping the machine.
2Productivity
If the remaining sheet portion is continuously repositioned and fed forward after each crosspiece cutting, then the cutting process can continue, but positioning errors accumulate progressively, increasing geometric and dimensional errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support surface into multiple independent levels (first and second support surfaces). Each level can independently hold remaining sheet portions without requiring continuous repositioning. The feed device can selectively feed sheets to either support surface level, breaking the continuous repositioning cycle into discrete, controlled placements that maintain positioning accuracy while enabling continuous production.
3Reliability
If additional support surfaces are used to store remaining sheet portions, then collision avoidance and storage are improved, but the cutting surface area is occupied, reducing available space for other operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding horizontally with additional support surfaces that would occupy cutting space, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by creating multi-level support surfaces. The second support surface is positioned at a different height than the first, allowing storage of remaining portions above or below the cutting area without reducing the horizontal cutting surface footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and machine (1) for cutting a glass sheet (2), according to which the sheet (2) to be cut is fed onto a sheet support surface (20) of a cutting table (13), moved downstream of a cutting station (23) of the table (13), coupled stably to a sheet movement device (26) and then retracted into the station (23), in which it is cut according to a sheet cutting program (P) separating one or more crosspieces in sequence (8); as soon as each crosspiece (8) has been cut, it is moved to a temporary magazine (33) arranged upstream of the station (23) in the direction of forward movement of the sheet (2) on the support surface (20); once cutting of the sheet (2) has been completed, said crosspiece is moved back onto the support surface (20) to be subsequently cut.