Molten Glass Gob Viscosity Control with Rotating Tube Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling molten glass gobs in glass container manufacturing fail to maintain both weight and viscosity within predefined ranges, leading to inconsistent glass properties.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the viscosity of molten glass gobs by controlling the vertical displacement and torque of a rotating tube, combined with temperature adjustments, to maintain both weight and viscosity within predefined ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the weight of molten glass gobs is controlled by adjusting the variable size section, then the gob weight is maintained within predefined range, but the viscosity of the molten glass cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature of the molten glass to control its viscosity. The melting furnace temperature is varied to achieve the desired viscosity level, while the variable size section is adjusted separately to control gob weight. This allows independent control of both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of multiple parameters - both the variable size section and the furnace temperature are continuously adjusted based on real-time feedback to maintain both gob weight and viscosity within their respective ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the viscosity of molten glass is adjusted by temperature changes, then the viscosity is controlled, but the gob weight becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into two independent systems: one for controlling gob weight (using the variable size section) and another for controlling viscosity (using furnace temperature). This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently without affecting the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where sensors monitor both gob weight and viscosity, and the control system adjusts the variable size section and furnace temperature accordingly to maintain both parameters within their predefined ranges.
3Device complexity
If a single control mechanism is used for molten glass gobs, then the device complexity is reduced, but both weight and viscosity cannot be maintained within predefined ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The melting furnace serves multiple functions: it melts raw materials, controls the temperature to adjust viscosity, and provides heating to maintain the molten glass state. The variable size section controls both the flow rate and the gob weight. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive control without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
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
Ensures the production of more homogeneous glass containers by maintaining consistent weight and viscosity of molten glass gobs, thereby reducing defects and improving product quality.
Implementation Method 1
the gobs are directed by gravity to a forming machine
Implementation Method 2
increasing the temperature of the molten glass, decreasing its viscosity, when the rotating tube is moved vertically upwards, or decreasing the temperature of the molten glass, increasing its viscosity
Implementation Method 3
a spout having a feeder plunger to push the molten glass through an orifice of the spout
Implementation Method 4
determining the torque of the rotating tube, and increasing the temperature of the molten glass, decreasing its viscosity, when the rotating tube rotates with a torque higher than a predefined torque
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and system for adjusting the viscosity of molten glass during the formation of molten glass gobs (13) used to manufacture glass containers (1), the method comprising directing the molten glass, through a section (14), into a spout (15) having a rotating tube (19) which is vertically movable to adjust the section (14), determining the weight of the gobs (13) and maintaining the weight of the gobs (13) in a predefined weight range by vertical displacement of the rotating tube (19), and adjusting the viscosity of the molten glass gobs 13 according to information provided by the rotating tube 19, by adjusting the temperature of the molten glass, and thus its viscosity, according to the vertical displacement of the rotating tube (19) or according to the torque of the rotating tube (19).