Non-Contact Jetting Dispenser for Glass Edge Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for strengthening glass edges are often labor-intensive, costly, and can render the glass surfaces aesthetically undesirable, while also being prone to introducing new flaws during the process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a jetting dispenser that deposits droplets of coating material along the perimeter edge of glass articles, allowing for precise coating with minimal overflow and the ability to handle various glass sizes and shapes, including complex features, using a non-contact dispensing process that avoids inducing new flaws and can operate at high speeds for mass production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional coating methods (dipping, painting, spraying) are used to strengthen glass edges, then the glass edge strength is improved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and may introduce new flaws during application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical application methods (dipping, painting, spraying) with a non-contact jetting system that deposits coating material through controlled material ejection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical contact that causes flaws while maintaining coating application capability, directly resolving the contradiction between edge strength improvement and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jetting system allows the coating material to self-deposit onto the glass edge through controlled ejection and natural flow, eliminating the need for manual labor or complex application mechanisms. The material applies itself to the target surface through the jetting process, reducing labor intensity while maintaining manufacturing control.
2Ease of operation
If contact-based coating methods are used, then coating application is straightforward, but new flaws may be induced in the perimeter edge during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical application with non-contact jetting, where coating material is ejected and deposited without physical contact between the applicator and glass edge. This eliminates the mechanical interaction that causes flaws while maintaining ease of operation through automated jetting control.
Solution Approach 2:
The jetting system introduces a medium (the coating material itself in ejection form) that transfers the coating function without requiring direct contact between the application device and glass edge. The material acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers the coating while avoiding flaw-inducing contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coating methods are used, then the process can be simple, but it may render glass surfaces aesthetically undesirable through overflow or excessive coating
Solution Approach 1:
The jetting system enables precise local application of coating material specifically to the perimeter edge region, with controlled deposition that prevents overflow onto the glass surfaces. The localized jetting target and controlled material ejection ensure coating is applied only where needed, maintaining aesthetic appearance while keeping the process simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-contact jetting mechanism provides precise control over coating material placement, eliminating the uncontrolled flow and overflow associated with contact-based methods like dipping or painting. This substitution enables aesthetic quality through precise material deposition control.
4Productivity
If high production speeds are achieved through automated coating, then productivity increases, but precision in coating intricate features may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The jetting system incorporates dynamic control of material ejection, allowing the coating process to adapt to different glass geometries and features in real-time. The system can adjust jetting parameters and follow complex perimeter paths at high speeds while maintaining precise coating application on intricate features through dynamic motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The jetting system is designed to handle various glass sizes, shapes, and intricate features through a single unified process, maintaining both high productivity and precision across diverse applications. The system's ability to adapt to different geometries while operating at high speeds resolves the contradiction between production speed and coating precision.
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 method provides a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way to strengthen glass edges with minimal aesthetic impact, enabling precise coating of intricate features and high production speeds while maintaining the glass's integrity and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
droplets to drop on the perimeter edge after falling through a standoff distance between the nozzle and the perimeter edge, whereafter each bead flows in a plurality of directions on the perimeter edge, thereby forming a coating on the perimeter edge
Data Source
AI summary
A method of glass edge coating includes supplying a coating material to a jetting dispenser. Droplets are jetted from a nozzle of the jetting dispenser. Beads of coating material are deposited on a perimeter edge of the glass article by arranging for the droplets to drop on the perimeter edge after falling through a standoff distance between the nozzle and the perimeter edge, whereafter each bead flows in a plurality of directions on the perimeter edge, thereby forming a coating on the perimeter edge. During the jetting, a relative motion is effected between the nozzle and the perimeter edge such that the beads are deposited at a plurality of locations along the perimeter edge.