Glass Ribbon Draw Stack Venting for Temperature Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass ribbon manufacturing apparatuses face challenges in maintaining precise manufacturing parameters, such as temperature control, leading to frequent maintenance and downtime, while also dealing with the sensitivity of glass ribbons to fluctuations in these parameters.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a draw stack with adjustable support members and gas flow regulation systems to maintain temperature stability and facilitate easy maintenance, allowing for continuous glass ribbon production by decoupling the processing apparatus from the forming device during servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the apparatus maintains strict temperature control and precise manufacturing parameters, then the quality and consistency of glass ribbons are improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into modular sections including a forming device and a separate draw stack, allowing independent maintenance of each module while maintaining continuous production in other sections
Solution Approach 2:
The draw stack is designed with movable support members that can adjust the elevation and position of the draw stack relative to the forming device, enabling flexible maintenance access while maintaining precise temperature control during operation
2Reliability
If the apparatus requires regular maintenance to maintain manufacturing parameters, then the reliability of glass ribbon production is improved, but the production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forming device and draw stack are segmented as separate modular units that can be independently maintained, allowing the draw stack to be serviced without shutting down the forming device and vice versa
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support members allow the draw stack to be positioned and locked in various positions before maintenance is needed, facilitating quick access to maintenance areas and reducing setup time for maintenance operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the draw stack is fixed in position relative to the forming device, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The draw stack incorporates movable support members that can dynamically adjust the position and elevation of the draw stack, allowing it to be moved to maintenance positions while maintaining stable operational positions during production
Solution Approach 2:
The support members act as intermediaries between the fixed forming device and the movable draw stack, providing the mechanical means to transfer and control the position of the draw stack while maintaining structural stability
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 enables efficient temperature control and reduces downtime by allowing uninterrupted glass ribbon production during maintenance, enhancing the manufacturing process's reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a support member movable from a retracted position to an extended position to increase an elevation of the draw stack
Implementation Method 2
The support member can be movable between the extended position to the retracted position to reduce the elevation of the draw stack
Implementation Method 3
a track receiving the end portion of the support member to define a lateral travel path of the draw stack
Implementation Method 4
The end portion can comprise a wheel
Implementation Method 5
The end portion can comprise an air bearing
Implementation Method 6
a lateral lock comprising a protrusion and a recess configured to receive the protrusion
Implementation Method 7
Each pull stage of the at least one pull stage can comprise a first pair of rollers configured to grip a first outer edge of the glass ribbon and a second pair of pull rollers configured to grip a second outer edge of the glass ribbon
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatus and methods for forming a glass ribbon can comprise a support member to move a draw stack along a support surface. In some embodiments, a housing can define an exterior area positioned outside of the wall of the draw stack and between the downstream portion of the draw stack and the housing. The housing can comprise a vent configured to regulate gas flow through the vent from the exterior area to a location outside of the housing and outside of the draw stack. In some embodiments, the draw stack can comprise first gate and a second gate. Each gate can be provided with a corresponding row of conduits to cool a central edge plate.