Glass Ribbon Thermal Control for Uniform Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of glass sheets with uniform thickness and reduced ribbon width attenuation is challenging due to variations in glass composition and desired thickness, leading to issues in thickness uniformity and usable glass volume in existing glass forming processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve positioning a cooling mechanism near the edge regions and a heating mechanism near the central region of the glass delivery orifice to control the viscosity and dimensions of the glass ribbon, using thermally conductive and insulative materials to manage heat transfer effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pulling force is applied to the glass ribbon to form sheets, then glass sheets can be produced, but thickness uniformity deteriorates due to variations in glass composition and desired thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal conditions to different regions of the glass ribbon: the edge regions are cooled while the central region is heated. This creates local viscosity variations that compensate for composition variations, enabling uniform thickness across the entire ribbon width during the drawing process
2Area of stationary object
If the glass ribbon is drawn to produce wider sheets, then the volume of usable glass increases, but ribbon width attenuation worsens causing the ribbon to contract below the forming device
Solution Approach 1:
By cooling the edge regions and heating the central region, the patent creates a viscosity gradient that prevents the ribbon from contracting. The heated central region maintains lower viscosity and greater flexibility, while the cooled edges provide structural support, together preventing width attenuation and enabling production of wider glass sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter differentially across the ribbon width to control viscosity distribution. This viscosity control prevents ribbon contraction and maintains stable width during the drawing process, allowing production of wider sheets without attenuation
3Adaptability or versatility
If different glass compositions are used to meet varying product requirements, then product versatility improves, but thickness uniformity control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The differential thermal processing creates local viscosity adjustments that compensate for variations in glass composition. Each region of the ribbon receives tailored thermal treatment, allowing the process to accommodate different compositions while maintaining uniform thickness across the sheet
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 approach helps in achieving glass sheets with improved thickness uniformity and reduced ribbon width attenuation, enhancing the volume of usable glass and maintaining stable dimensional characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a cooling mechanism proximate the delivery orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region
Implementation Method 2
positioning a heating mechanism proximate the delivery orifice near the central region
Implementation Method 3
using thermally conductive and insulative materials to manage heat transfer effectively
Implementation Method 4
using thermally conductive and insulative materials to manage heat transfer effectively
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a glass article includes a glass delivery device that includes a delivery orifice extending in a widthwise direction and including a first edge region, a central region, and a second edge region. The apparatus and method also include a cooling mechanism proximate the delivery orifice near the first edge region and the second edge region and a heating mechanism proximate the delivery orifice near the central region.