Glass Printing Machine Continuous Transport System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass printing machines face limitations in precision, load capacity, and operational complexity due to the use of linear drives, which are not suitable for handling large glass panes and require frequent machine rotations.
Innovation Solution
A glass printing machine with a continuous transport system that combines rotary and linear drive technologies, featuring carriages that move linearly in an 'endless' system, allowing for precise positioning, high load capacity, and efficient glass handling without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If linear drives are used for glass printing, then positioning precision can be improved, but load capacity is limited to less than 20 Kg
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines linear drive technology with rotary drive technology in a hybrid system. The linear drive provides precise positioning (less than 0.1 mm) while the rotary mechanism enables the system to handle larger glass panes weighing more than 20 Kg. This merging of two drive systems allows simultaneous achievement of high precision and high load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by using a rotary table that can tilt and position glass panes in three-dimensional space. This dimensional change allows the system to handle large glass panes without requiring the entire machine to rotate, thereby maintaining positioning precision while increasing load capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printing table rotates 180° to handle large glass panes, then adaptability to different product sizes is improved, but machine complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into two independent parts: a linear drive system for precise movement and a rotary table for orientation. This segmentation allows the system to handle different product sizes by adjusting the rotary table angle without affecting the precision of the linear drive, thereby reducing overall machine complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable rotary table that can change its angle and position according to the size and shape of the glass pane. This dynamic adaptability allows the machine to handle various product sizes without requiring complex reconfiguration, simplifying operation while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent machine rotations are performed to handle different glass sizes, then versatility is improved, but productivity decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous transport system where glass panes are fed continuously through the printing machine. The rotary table and linear drive work in coordination to maintain continuous motion, eliminating interruptions and frequent stops that would reduce productivity. The system can adjust to different glass sizes without breaking the continuous flow.
4Manufacturing precision
If linear drives with higher precision are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the machine cannot handle large loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges linear drive technology with rotary drive technology in a hybrid system. The linear drive provides precise positioning (less than 0.1 mm) while the rotary mechanism enables the system to handle larger glass panes weighing more than 20 Kg. This merging of two drive systems allows simultaneous achievement of high precision and high load capacity.
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 machine achieves precision of less than 0.1 mm, handles large loads efficiently, and simplifies the glass handling process by eliminating the need for frequent machine rotations, thereby enhancing the machine's efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
at the time of printing the carriages are transported with a drive that has an optical linear encoder with a resolution of less than 4 microns
Implementation Method 2
The carriages are each driven by a linear motor
Implementation Method 3
The vertical drive can be of any known type, either pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a glass printing machine that comprises a loading station in which the glass to be printed is received, then a viewing or mechanical positioning system followed by a printing system, and finally an unloading station, with carriages running between an upper level along the above elements and returning to the starting point via a lower level. In some embodiments, the machine provided herein has a precision of less than 0.1 mm and allows the handling of large loads.