Glass Mold Fall-Prevention Mechanism for Liquid-Drop Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The liquid-drop molding method for manufacturing molded glass bodies faces challenges in controlling the glass temperature and stick strength, leading to issues where the glass body may fall and damage the lower mold, necessitating frequent mold replacements and reducing productivity.

Innovation Solution

A device with a fall-prevention mechanism, such as a trap device or air-blow device, is implemented to prevent the glass body from falling onto the lower mold by moving the upper mold to a standby position and using a trap device or blowing gas to redirect the falling glass body, thereby preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the liquid-drop molding method is used to pressure-mold the glass drop before it cools and solidifies, then the manufacturing process can be simplified, but the glass temperature cannot be controlled accurately and the glass body may fall and damage the lower mold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolding process simplicityVSAvoidtemperature control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing a cushioning member in advance and positioning it between the upper and lower molds before the glass drop is molded. This pre-positioned cushioning member is designed to intercept and cushion the glass body if it were to fall during the molding process, thereby preventing damage to the lower mold without complicating the temperature control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the glass body sticks weakly to the upper mold, then it can be easily released, but the glass body may fall down and damage the lower mold during withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease easeVSAvoiddamage to lower mold

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a cushioning member positioned between the upper and lower molds that serves as a safety intercept. This cushioning member is designed to absorb the impact energy of the glass body if it falls during the withdrawal process, thereby protecting the lower mold from damage while allowing easy release of the glass body from the upper mold.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the lower mold is replaced frequently due to damage, then the manufacturing process can continue, but productivity significantly deteriorates and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing continuityVSAvoidmold replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a cushioning member between the upper and lower molds that intercepts falling glass bodies before they can reach and damage the lower mold. This protective mechanism prevents damage to the lower mold, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and maintaining continuous manufacturing operations without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning member acts as an intermediary protective element between the upper mold (where the glass body is formed) and the lower mold (which would be damaged by falling glass). This intermediary structure absorbs the impact energy and prevents direct contact between the falling glass body and the lower mold, thereby protecting the lower mold from damage and eliminating the need for frequent replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively prevents the glass body from damaging the lower mold during the pressure molding process, reducing the need for mold replacements and enhancing productivity by ensuring controlled stickage and safe withdrawal of the molded glass body.

Implementation Method 1

an air-blow device for blowing gas between the upper mold and the lower mold, to blow off the molded glass body which is falling down

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

a trap device inserted to a space between the upper mold and the lower mold, for receiving the molded glass body which is falling down

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS8408030B2Device for manufacturing molded glass body

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 KONICA MINOLTA ADVANCED LAYERS INC

AI summary

There is provided a device for manufacturing a molded glass body, including a fall-prevention means for preventing the glass molded body which has stuck on the upper mold from falling down on the lower mold. Thus, the molded glass body does not damage the lower mold, even if the molded glass body which has stuck on the upper mold falls down from the upper mold, during a period from an end of the pressure molding to releasing and withdrawing the molded glass body obtained by the pressure molding from the any one of the upper mold and the lower mold.