Glass Edge Coating Removal via Segmented Grinding Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines fail to reliably and completely remove coatings from the peripheral margins of glass plates, leading to compromised insulation and aesthetic issues, especially in structural glazing where the edges are exposed, due to uneven coating removal and oxidation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic machine with multiple working heads that move independently to match the glass plate's shape, using a combination of grinding wheels with controlled movements to ensure precise and complete removal of coatings, even on non-rectangular profiles, without damaging the glass surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single grinding tool is used to remove coating from glass plate edges, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of coating removal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single grinding tool into multiple independent grinding tools (at least two) arranged in series. Each grinding tool can be independently adjusted and controlled, allowing precise removal of coating layers while maintaining device feasibility. This segmentation enables complete coating removal without requiring overly complex machine structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding tools are designed with independent floating contact capability and adjustable positioning mechanisms. Each tool can dynamically adapt its position and pressure independently, ensuring precise coating removal across different glass plate shapes and sizes while keeping the overall machine structure manageable through modular control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grinding tools are fixed in position, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different glass plate shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow each grinding tool to be independently adjusted and moved. The tools can adapt to different glass plate shapes (rectangular, non-rectangular) through controlled movement along predefined paths, achieving high versatility without requiring overly complex reconfiguration systems for each plate type.
Solution Approach 2:
Each grinding tool is equipped with independent adjustment capabilities tailored to its specific position in the series. This localized adaptability allows each tool to optimize its contact with the glass edge according to the local geometry, enabling the system to handle various plate shapes effectively while keeping the overall positioning system manageable.
3Productivity
If multiple grinding tools operate simultaneously on the same glass plate edge, then the productivity is high, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to interference between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coating removal process into multiple sequential stages, with each grinding tool responsible for a specific portion of the edge treatment. The tools operate in series rather than simultaneously on the same location, eliminating interference while maintaining high overall productivity through continuous processing along the glass plate perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding tools are positioned and controlled to operate sequentially along the glass plate edge with optimized spacing and timing. This dynamic coordination ensures that each tool completes its task before the next tool engages, preventing interference while maintaining continuous high-speed processing and precise edge finish quality.
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
The machine achieves reliable, repetitive, and aesthetically pleasing edge removal, enhancing the integrity and safety of insulating glazing units by ensuring complete coating removal without compromising the glass surface, thus preventing detachment and falling hazards.
Implementation Method 1
grinding wheels with controlled movements to ensure precise and complete removal of coatings
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An automatic machine for removal of the nanocoating with a thickness of a few hundred angstroms from the perimetric margins of the face of glass plates (1) having a rectangular or other than rectangular shape that are substantially flat and arranged vertically or almost vertically, comprising a machine body (2) equipped with a resting surface with pseudovertical sliding (2c) and with a pseudohorizontal conveyor (500) and at least one working head (200, 100), movable in relation to the glass plate (1) along its perimeter, the working head comprising two tool bodies (201a, 201p, 101a, 101p) that are adjustable and floating in a direction that is substantially transverse to the plane of the glass plate (1), each tool body (201a, 201p, 101a, 101p) comprising a cylindrical abrasive tool (202a, 202p, 102a, 102p) which rotates with a cutting motion to carry out the grinding operation, the two tool bodies (201a, 201p, 101a, 101p) of the working head (200, 100) being arranged in series, i.e., in succession with respect to the direction of the relative motion between the head (200, 100) and the glass plate (1).