Laminated Glass Plate Rotation Mechanism Using Stationary Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for cutting laminated-glass plates require two orthogonal suction-cup gripping members for complete rotation, leading to increased dimensions, processing time, and costs, and are limited in versatility and optimal operation across varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a stationary engagement element, such as a roller or pad, which allows the second suction-cup gripping member to be disengaged during the rotation process, enabling the first gripping member to complete the rotation using the engagement element as a guiding support, reducing the need for the second gripping member's movement and optimizing the machine's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two suction-cup gripping members are used for complete rotation of the plate, then the plate can be rotated fully, but the machine dimensions increase and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the function of the second suction-cup gripping member for the final phase of rotation. Instead of having the second gripping member travel the entire rotation distance, it only engages initially and then disengages, allowing the engagement element to complete the rotation independently. This reduces the travel distance and dimensions required for the second gripping member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stationary engagement element (roller or pad) as an intermediary that assists the suction-cup gripping members in completing the rotation. This engagement element remains fixed while the plate rotates around it, providing a guiding support that enables the rotation without requiring a second movable gripping member to traverse the entire path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two suction-cup gripping members are used for complete rotation of the plate, then the plate can be rotated fully, but the production costs and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation-completion function from the expensive second suction-cup gripping member system and transfers it to a simple stationary engagement element. This dramatically reduces the complexity, production cost, and installation cost while maintaining the full rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex second suction-cup gripping member with a simple, inexpensive stationary engagement element (roller or pad) that performs the final rotation function. This substitution significantly reduces production and installation costs while achieving the same functional result.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two suction-cup gripping members are used for complete rotation of the plate, then the plate can be rotated fully, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the second suction-cup gripping member disengage before the end of the rotation path. This allows the engagement element to complete the final phase of rotation independently and simultaneously enables the second gripping member to be repositioned for the next operation, overlapping operations to reduce total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the engagement element in a stationary position that allows uninterrupted rotation. The engagement element remains ready to guide the plate throughout the rotation process, eliminating idle time and ensuring continuous productive action during the rotation operation.
4Length of stationary object
If the engagement element is added to assist rotation, then machine dimensions are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the engagement element stationary rather than movable. Instead of having a second gripping member travel the rotation path, a fixed engagement element remains in place while the plate rotates around it. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the need for complex actuation systems on the engagement element.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary engagement element serves itself by passively guiding the plate during rotation without requiring active control or actuation. The element simply provides a fixed reference point that the plate rotates around, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, or control systems for the engagement element itself.
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 solution allows for reduced machine dimensions, lower production and installation costs, and faster processing times by enabling rotation of the plate even when the rear edge is initially positioned upstream of the cutting line, while maintaining versatility across different glass plate sizes.
Implementation Method 1
said first gripping member comprises a suction-cup element configured to engage one face of the plate adjacent to said rear edge
Implementation Method 2
said second gripping member comprises a suction-cup element configured to engage one face of the plate at said second plate portion spaced apart with respect to the first plate portion engaged by said first gripping member
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for performing cutting operations on laminated-glass plates (L) comprises rotation means (12a, 12b, 14, 15) for rotating the plate, or a portion cut therefrom. The rotation means comprise a first suction-cup gripping member (12a) and a second suction-cup gripping member (14) for gripping spaced apart portions of the plate (L). The two gripping members are movable along mutually orthogonal first and second horizontal directions (Y, X). The rotation means further comprise an engagement element (15) which in operation is in a stationary position, in the form of a roller or pad, for rolling or sliding engagement with the rear edge (B) of the plate (L). In a first phase of the operation for rotation of the plate (L), the plate is rotated by engaging the first and second suction-cup gripping members (12a, 14) on the plate and by displacing simultaneously the first and second suction-cup gripping members (12a, 14) along said orthogonal directions (Y, X), respectively. In a second phase of the operation for rotation of said plate the second suction-cup gripping member (14) is disengaged from the plate (L), and said engagement element (15) is brought to its operative position, whereby the rotation of the plate (L) is completed by moving only the first suction-cup gripping member (12a) along the first horizontal direction (Y), while using said engagement element (15) as a stationary guiding support for said rear edge (B) of the plate (L) during rotation of the plate.