Glass Cutting Line Offal Storage and Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass cutting lines face inefficiencies in handling and storage of offal or remnant glass pieces, as manual handling is time-consuming and prone to damage, and existing storage and retrieval systems require significant modifications and additional space, reducing production efficiency and increasing scrap rates.
Innovation Solution
A glass cutting line with an integrated cassette work piece storage and retrieval unit positioned vertically below the loader table, allowing for automatic storage and retrieval of offal pieces directly from and to the cutting table, using a breaking bar for automatic separation and a pivoting tilt loader for efficient handling, eliminating the need for external storage systems and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of offal pieces is used, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but time consumption increases and glass damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-handling of offal pieces through the integrated cassette storage unit with automated retrieval mechanisms. The control system automatically identifies, retrieves, and positions offal pieces without manual intervention, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated mechanical retrieval system. The cassette storage unit incorporates automated mechanisms that retrieve offal pieces and transfer them to the cutting table, substituting manual operations with controlled mechanical automation.
2Quantity of substance
If external storage systems are added, then offal storage capability is improved, but space requirements increase and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is merged with the existing cutting table structure. The cassette storage unit is integrated into the cutting table assembly, combining storage capacity with the cutting operation area, thereby eliminating the need for separate external storage systems and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the cassette storage unit above or below the cutting table surface. This vertical integration allows storage capacity to be added without increasing the horizontal footprint, maintaining production efficiency while providing adequate offal storage.
3Extent of automation
If separate offal handler and storage device are installed, then automated handling is achieved, but device complexity increases and modifications to cutting line are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette storage unit serves multiple functions: it stores offal pieces, retrieves them automatically, and integrates with the existing cutting table structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated offal handling equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The offal handling functionality is merged with the cutting table assembly. The cassette storage unit is positioned and integrated into the existing cutting line structure, allowing automated offal handling without requiring separate independent equipment or significant modifications to the cutting line.
4Ease of operation
If offal pieces are stored manually, then storage flexibility is maintained, but glass scratching during handling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service storage where offal pieces are automatically positioned and stored in the cassette unit without manual handling. The automated retrieval mechanism picks up pieces from the cutting table and places them in storage locations, eliminating manual contact that causes scratching while maintaining storage flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette storage unit acts as an intermediary between the cutting table and the stored offal pieces. It provides a protected storage environment and automated transfer mechanism that prevents direct manual handling, thereby preventing glass scratching while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A glass cutting line includes a cutting table having a movable cutting head cutting glass work pieces on the table and a conveyor for moving glass work pieces onto and off of the cutting table The line includes a loader adjacent the cutting table having a loader table, a loader table conveyor, and a table loader unit receiving and delivering glass work pieces to the loader table. The loader table conveyor transports the glass work pieces to the cutting table. The line includes a cassette work piece storage and retrieval unit positioned vertically below the loader table when the loader table is positioned to transport the glass work pieces to the cutting table. The cassette work piece storage and retrieval unit receives work pieces from the cutting table and delivers work pieces to the cutting table from any of a plurality of storage locations.