Glass Ribbon Scoring and Perpendicular Transfer System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for processing glass ribbons face challenges in efficiently and effectively separating and conveying glass sheets from a continuously moving ribbon, particularly in mass production settings, where scoring and separating operations must be performed on hot glass while minimizing defects and occupying a compact footprint.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a glass ribbon conveying device, a glass scoring device, and a transfer device, where the glass scoring device imparts a score line into the glass ribbon, and the transfer device transitions the glass sheet onto a perpendicular conveying device, allowing for automated processing and separation of glass sheets from a continuous ribbon supply, enabling the production of differently dimensioned sheets while maintaining a compact production facility footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated scoring and separating operations are performed on a continuously moving glass ribbon, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple conveying and processing stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the glass ribbon conveying device and glass sheet conveying device into a single integrated system with a shared support surface. The support surface serves dual functions: supporting the continuous glass ribbon during travel and supporting individual separated glass sheets. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining automated mass production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the glass ribbon during conveyance, supports separated glass sheets, and facilitates the transition between ribbon and sheet modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If the glass ribbon is continuously conveyed through scoring and separating operations, then productivity is improved, but the risk of glass defects increases due to repeated handling of hot glass
Solution Approach 1:
The glass ribbon is scored while continuously moving on the support surface before separation occurs. The scoring operation is performed in advance on the hot glass ribbon while it is still on the support surface, reducing the need for subsequent handling of hot separated sheets. This preliminary action minimizes defect risk by completing the scoring operation before the glass is separated and potentially re-handled.
3Productivity
If multiple conveying devices are used for ribbon and sheet transport, then productivity is improved, but the facility footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ribbon conveying function and sheet conveying function into a single integrated conveying device with a common support surface. The support surface accommodates both the continuous glass ribbon and individual separated sheets, eliminating the need for separate conveying systems. This significantly reduces the facility footprint while maintaining automated processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from separate linear conveying paths for ribbons and sheets to a shared two-dimensional support surface. The support surface can accommodate the glass ribbon in one configuration and individual sheets in another, effectively using spatial reconfiguration to reduce footprint while maintaining functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated, sequential processing of a continuous glass ribbon by conveying the glass ribbon in a ribbon travel direction, forming a score line in the glass ribbon, separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon at the score line while supporting the glass sheet with a transfer device, lowering the glass sheet onto a conveyor, and conveying the glass sheet in a sheet travel direction differing from the ribbon travel direction. By transferring and then conveying the glass sheet in a direction differing from the ribbon travel direction (e.g., a 90 degree turn) immediately after glass sheet separation, the systems and method of the present disclosure are conducive to streamlined production of glass sheets utilizing a unique production floor footprint.