Glass Molding Apparatus with Transfer Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glass molding technologies are inefficient in reducing equipment size and simplifying the molding process, particularly in forming curved surfaces, and often result in larger apparatuses with complex processes.
Innovation Solution
A glass molding apparatus featuring a molding part with transfer rollers and pressure parts that apply heat and pressure sequentially along a direction, allowing for the formation of both plane and curved surface portions, with a reduced overall size and simplified process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional glass molding equipment is used, then the molding process can be completed, but the equipment size becomes large and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (heating, pressing, and molding) into a single integrated apparatus. The heating unit and pressing unit are merged into one device that processes glass simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate equipment for each operation and thereby reducing overall equipment size and process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The molding apparatus is designed to perform multiple operations (heating, pressing, and molding) through a single integrated system. The apparatus can handle different glass types (smartphone, tablet, watch glasses) and create various shapes, making it a universal device that replaces multiple specialized machines.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional molding methods are used, then glass can be molded, but curved surface formation is inefficient and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit and pressing unit are integrated into a single apparatus that can simultaneously heat and press glass to form curved surfaces. This eliminates the need for separate equipment for curved surface formation and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing unit can dynamically adjust its position and pressure application points to create various curved surface profiles. The system adapts to different curvature requirements by modifying pressing parameters rather than requiring dedicated equipment for each curve type.
3Productivity
If heat and pressure are applied simultaneously, then molding efficiency increases, but glass damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus first heats the glass to an appropriate temperature before applying pressure. This preliminary heating action prepares the glass for molding by making it more pliable, allowing subsequent pressure application to occur at lower forces and reducing the risk of damage while maintaining high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating and pressing operations are performed in a continuous sequence within the same apparatus without interrupting the process. The glass moves continuously from heating to pressing in one operation, maintaining productivity while controlling damage risk through precise process integration.
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 apparatus effectively reduces equipment size and simplifies the molding process, enabling efficient formation of curved surfaces while preventing glass damage through controlled heat and pressure application.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the transfer rollers may include a first heating member including a coil and a power supply part connected to the coil
Implementation Method 2
A temperature of the heat applied to the molding part by a respective one of the transfer rollers may increase along the first direction
Implementation Method 3
An intensity of the pressure applied to the molding part by a respective one of the pressure parts may increase along the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A glass molding apparatus includes at least one molding part including a molding cast configured to mold a glass, a transfer roller part including a plurality of transfer rollers below the molding part, the transfer rollers being arranged along a first direction, being configured to rotate in a first rotation direction to transfer the molding part along the first direction, and being configured to apply heat to the molding part, and a plurality of pressure parts configured to apply pressure to the molding part.