Glass Ribbon Forming With Guide Cooling for Devitrification Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass ribbon forming methods are limited when using molten materials with low devitrification viscosity and/or high devitrification temperature, as they require effective cooling to prevent crystallization and ensure proper handling.

Innovation Solution

A glass manufacturing apparatus and method that utilize a guide member to cool a stream of molten material, adjusting the distance between the guide member and the stream or the orientation of the guide member to control cooling, allowing for the use of lower viscosity molten materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional glass ribbon forming methods are used, then standard glass materials can be processed, but molten materials with low devitrification viscosity and/or high devitrification temperature cannot be effectively handled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with molten material propertiesVSAvoidprocess stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is positioned upstream of the forming device to cool the molten material before it enters the forming process. This preliminary cooling action reduces the temperature of the molten material to below its devitrification temperature, preventing crystallization during forming and enabling the use of materials with low devitrification viscosity and/or high devitrification temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member acts as an intermediary cooling element between the molten material delivery and the forming device. It provides a controlled cooling interface that prepares the molten material for successful forming by removing excess heat without requiring changes to the forming device itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If molten material with low viscosity is used, then faster processing is possible, but the material cools too quickly and becomes difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidhandling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member performs preliminary cooling of the molten material to a controlled temperature range before it reaches the forming device. This ensures the material is cool enough to maintain shape and be handled reliably, while still being warm enough to remain workable and not crystallize during the forming process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the molten material by controlling the cooling rate through the guide member. By adjusting cooling parameters, the material transitions from a state that is too fluid to handle to an optimal state that balances handleability with forming capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If cooling is increased to prevent crystallization, then material stability is improved, but the time and space required for cooling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of crystallizationVSAvoidcooling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member provides preliminary cooling in a compact region upstream of the forming device. This concentrated preliminary cooling prevents crystallization before the material enters the forming zone, eliminating the need for extended cooling periods afterward and reducing overall cooling time and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling action is applied locally and selectively through the guide member in a specific region of the molten material stream. This localized cooling is more efficient than uniform cooling, achieving crystallization prevention with reduced time and space investment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively cools the molten material to reduce the time and space required for sufficient cooling, enabling the use of molten materials with lower viscosities and allowing for stable glass ribbon formation even during process upsets.

Implementation Method 1

Flowing a cooling fluid through the guide member can maintain a temperature at a surface of the guide member, which can effectively cool the stream of molten material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250289746A1Glass manufacturing apparatus and methods of making a glass ribbon

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 CORNING INC

AI summary

Glass manufacturing apparatus comprise a forming device configured to deliver a stream of molten material along a first axis. The first roller is configured to direct the stream of molten material to flow off one side of the first roller and travel along a second axis that is within 20% of a radius of the first roller from the first axis. The first axis intersects a guide member positioned downstream from the first roller. The second axis does not intersect the guide member. Methods comprise contacting a first roller with a stream of molten material traveling along a first axis. Methods comprise directing the stream of molten material to flow off one side of the first roller and travel along a second axis. A distance between the first axis and the second axis is within 20% of the radius of the first roller.