Glass Forming Surface Lubrication With Wall Thickness Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass forming systems face inconsistencies in product quality due to inadequate lubrication, leading to defects and production losses, as current lubrication techniques apply lubricant at fixed frequencies regardless of actual need, causing disturbances in the forming process.
Innovation Solution
A glass forming system equipped with a measuring device to evaluate and control lubrication based on parameters such as wall thickness and forming surface temperature, allowing for 'on-demand' lubrication and adjustment of lubrication intervals to ensure consistent quality and reduce lubricant usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lubrication is applied at fixed frequencies regardless of actual need, then the forming process is simplified and operation is easier, but product quality becomes inconsistent and defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the lubrication application is controlled based on measured parameters (wall thickness, temperature) from the glass forming process. The system continuously monitors these parameters and adjusts lubrication timing and amount accordingly, transforming fixed-frequency lubrication into a closed-loop controlled process that adapts to actual process conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, fixed-frequency lubrication to dynamic, adaptive lubrication control. The lubrication parameters (timing, amount, frequency) are made variable and are adjusted in real-time based on measured process parameters, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions during the glass forming process.
2Manufacturing precision
If lubrication is applied frequently to ensure quality, then product quality improves, but production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lubrication selectively rather than continuously - only when and where it is actually needed based on measured process parameters. This partial action approach avoids unnecessary lubrication applications, reducing the time loss associated with frequent lubrication while maintaining quality where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Through feedback control based on wall thickness and temperature measurements, the system determines the actual lubrication need and applies lubrication only when parameters indicate it is necessary, optimizing the balance between quality maintenance and production speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual lubrication control is used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but quality consistency deteriorates and defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service control where the lubrication process automatically adjusts based on measured parameters without requiring manual operator intervention. The control system uses feedback from sensors to autonomously determine when and how much lubrication to apply, achieving consistent quality while maintaining the adaptability to respond to process variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism replaces manual judgment with automated measurement and control, using real-time data from wall thickness and temperature sensors to consistently determine optimal lubrication timing, eliminating the variability inherent in manual control while preserving operational adaptability.
4Reliability
If excessive lubrication is applied, then forming surface protection is improved, but lubricant consumption increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lubrication in the minimum necessary amount rather than using excessive lubrication. By basing lubrication application on actual process parameters (wall thickness, temperature), the system applies just enough lubricant to protect the forming surface, avoiding waste and reducing lubricant consumption while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes lubrication parameters (amount, frequency, timing) based on measured process conditions. When wall thickness or temperature indicates adequate forming surface conditions, lubrication is reduced or skipped, optimizing the balance between surface protection and lubricant consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a glass forming system and to a method for operating a glass forming system. A glass forming system (30) comprises a forming surface (4) for forming glass items (14, 26), a lubricating device (45) for lubricating the forming surface (4) and a measuring device (40) for measuring a parameter relating to a wall thickness of a formed glass item (14, 26). The glass forming system (30) is configured such that a lubrication performed by the lubricating device (45) can be evaluated and/or controlled on the basis of the measured parameter. This allows for a particularly accurate evaluation and control of lubrication.