Independent Glass Sheet Transport for Asynchronous Pane Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pane processing devices require significant time to transport smaller glass panes due to their design being optimized for larger sizes, leading to inefficiencies in processing multiple smaller panes within a given timeframe.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with synchronized horizontal conveyors and a suction conveying system, utilizing spacers and repositioners to allow independent movement of glass panes, enabling asynchronous processing and simultaneous loading of subsequent panes during the processing of the first pane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processing device is sized to accommodate maximum pane size, then large panes can be processed, but smaller panes require excessive transport time
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into multiple independent conveyor belts (first horizontal conveyor, second horizontal conveyor, suction conveying device) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows different panes to be transported at different speeds simultaneously, enabling small panes to be moved quickly while large panes move at normal speed, thus resolving the time loss for smaller panes without compromising the device's ability to accommodate maximum pane sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belts are equipped with controllable drives that allow dynamic adjustment of transport speeds. The system can synchronize conveyors when needed and operate them independently when different pane sizes are processed, optimizing transport time for smaller panes while maintaining adaptability for various pane dimensions
2Ease of operation
If synchronous transport is used for simplicity, then control is easier, but productivity is reduced due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transport function into multiple independently controllable conveyor belts, each with its own drive mechanism. This allows the control system to manage each conveyor separately, enabling asynchronous operation where the first conveyor can transport a pane while the second conveyor simultaneously transports another pane, thereby increasing productivity without significantly complicating control
Solution Approach 2:
By enabling independent operation of multiple conveyors, the system ensures continuous useful action throughout the processing cycle. While one pane is being processed, another pane can be simultaneously transported into position, eliminating idle time and maximizing productivity while maintaining relatively simple control through centralized coordination
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
Significantly reduces cycle time by allowing multiple panes to be processed efficiently, particularly with larger devices, by enabling asynchronous transport and processing of smaller panes, thereby increasing throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The suction belt is guided over a chamber pressurized with negative pressure. A glass sheet to be transported from the first horizontal conveyor to the second horizontal conveyor can be simultaneously suctioned by the suction conveying device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A transport device and a method for transporting stationary glass panes (7, 8) in a pane processing device (1) are described. A first horizontal conveyor (11) is arranged in the lower region of the support wall (4) and forms an upward-facing first conveying surface (13). A second horizontal conveyor (12) is arranged in line with the first horizontal conveyor (11) and forms an upward-facing second conveying surface (14). A suction conveying device (15) includes a perforated suction belt (16). A section of the suction belt (16) runs over a vacuum chamber (22) to draw a glass pane (7) onto the suction belt (16). This section of the suction belt (16) runs in the support plane (5) parallel to the conveying direction (B) from a region above the first conveying surface (13) to a region above the second conveying surface (14).According to the invention, the transport device (2) is arranged to move the second conveying surface (14) synchronously with the first conveying surface (13) or independently of the first conveying surface (13), and a spacer (26) movable relative to the support wall (4) is arranged in the area above the second conveying surface (14), which can be moved into a working position in which a guide surface (31) of the spacer (26) is located on the side of the support plane (5) opposite the vacuum chamber (22).