Optical Imaging for Glass Gob Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The glass product manufacturing process is inefficient due to misshaping or unacceptable bottles caused by unclear errors in mould filling, leading to costly trial-and-error adjustments in production processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves predicting and controlling the glass gob velocity and distribution by observing and analyzing the glass gob's velocity, direction, and shape using optical imaging, allowing for improved process control by determining the probability of misshaping and adjusting parameters such as lubrication and guiding system positions to ensure correct filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If trial and error method is used to adjust production process, then manufacturing precision may be improved, but productivity deteriorates due to process stopping and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by capturing images of the glass gob at multiple positions during its travel through the delivery system, calculating its velocity and trajectory, and using this information to predict and control the filling process. This closed-loop control eliminates trial-and-error adjustments and process stoppages, simultaneously improving filling accuracy and maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements and calculations of glass gob velocity and trajectory before the gob enters the mould. By determining the probability of correct filling in advance and adjusting parameters proactively, the system prevents defects rather than correcting them after occurrence, thereby maintaining continuous production and improving both precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If glass gob velocity is not controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misshaping and gas inclusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical velocity control mechanisms with an optical measurement system using cameras and image processing. By capturing images and calculating velocity from positional data, the system achieves precise control of glass gob velocity and trajectory without requiring complex mechanical intervention, thereby improving manufacturing precision while keeping the device relatively simple.
3Manufacturing precision
If friction between glass gob and mould wall is reduced, then manufacturing precision improves by preventing gas inclusion, but loss of substance increases due to lubricant consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses velocity information to dynamically adjust lubrication parameters. By optimizing the amount and application timing of lubricant based on measured glass gob velocity and trajectory, the system reduces friction sufficiently to prevent gas inclusion while minimizing unnecessary lubricant consumption, thus balancing manufacturing precision and substance conservation.
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 enhances the production process by minimizing glass gob velocity loss, reducing gas inclusion, and achieving consistent product shape and structure, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of glass product manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical imaging device (4) for generating a signal representing an image of the glass gob (10) at at least one moment and/or during at least one period, after the glass gob (10) has passed the inlet (16) of the delivery system (14)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
Method of filling a mould (8) with a glass gob (10) through an opening (12) of the mould (8), for forming a glass product in the mould (8), by using a delivery system (14) for delivering the glass gob to the opening (12) of the mould (8). The delivery system (14) has an inlet (16), an outlet (18), and guiding means (20) for guiding the glass gob through the delivery system (14). The method includes observing the glass gob, at at least one moment and/or during at least one period after the glass gob has passed the inlet (16) of the delivery system (14), by using an optical imaging device (4). The method includes determining a glass gob observation result that includes a glass gob velocity, for predicting a glass distribution of the glass product formed in the mould (8) and/or for controlling a next glass gob.