Glass Sheet Edge Grinding Unit with Electric-Pneumatic Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet processing machines are rigid and costly, requiring specialized operators and complex configuration processes to adapt to changing production needs or surface finish requirements, with inadequate control over wheel wear and large brake assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A compact, inexpensive grinding or polishing unit with bifunctional abrasive units that can easily switch between grinding and polishing operations using a combination of electric and pneumatic actuators, eliminating the need for separate brake assemblies and enabling precise control of wheel position and wear through real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grinding machines are designed with fixed number of grinding and polishing units, then the machine can perform specific processing tasks, but it cannot be reconfigured for different production needs or surface finish requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the number and type of abrasive units (grinding or polishing) can be changed during operation. The control unit dynamically adjusts which units are active, allowing the machine to adapt to different production needs without physical reconfiguration, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal abrasive unit design that can function as either a grinding unit or a polishing unit. Each unit is equipped with interchangeable wheels and can be programmed to perform different functions, allowing a single machine to handle multiple processing tasks, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grinding machines are customized for specific customer requirements, then they can meet precise processing needs, but they cannot be easily converted or customized when production needs change
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control where the control unit can rapidly reconfigure which abrasive units are active and what functions they perform. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the machine to switch between different processing configurations quickly, minimizing reconfiguration time when production needs change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration capabilities where the control unit can pre-program different processing configurations. When production needs change, the system can quickly switch between pre-configured modes or pre-position components, reducing the time required for reconfiguration compared to manual setup.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized operators are used to operate and reconfigure grinding machines, then precise control is achieved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated control systems that can independently manage the configuration and operation of abrasive units. The control unit automatically adjusts parameters, monitors wheel wear, and manages reconfiguration tasks, reducing the need for specialized operator intervention while maintaining processing precision through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor the processing quality and wheel conditions, and this information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit automatically adjusts operating parameters to maintain precision, reducing the need for specialized operators to manually monitor and adjust settings, thereby simplifying operation while preserving manufacturing precision.
4Measurement precision
If brake assemblies are used to control polishing wheels, then wheel position control is achieved, but the machine size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical brake assemblies with an electrical control system. The control unit uses electrical signals to control the positioning and braking of polishing wheels through electric motors and actuators, eliminating the need for separate mechanical brake assemblies. This substitution reduces device complexity and space requirements while maintaining or improving position control precision through more accurate electrical control.
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
The solution allows for quick, cost-effective reconfiguration and precise control of grinding and polishing operations, reducing machine size and operational complexity while ensuring consistent surface finish quality.
Implementation Method 1
Each grinding unit comprises a corresponding grinding wheel, an electric motor for rotating the grinding wheel about its axis
Implementation Method 2
Each polishing unit comprises a corresponding polishing wheel, which is also rotated around its axis by a corresponding electric motor
Implementation Method 3
the slides carrying the polishing wheels are pushed by pneumatic cylinders or by mechanical springs with variable preload
Implementation Method 4
the slides carrying the polishing wheels are pushed by pneumatic cylinders or by mechanical springs with variable preload
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A perimetric surface (5) of a glass sheet (2) is ground and polished using a grinding or polishing unit (30) having a slide (33) that can move in a rectilinear direction (K) and a wheel head (31) carried by the slide (33) and designed to carry a grinding wheel (22) or a polishing wheel (27); the slide (33) being moved by an electropneumatic activation assembly (35) that has an electric motor (50) coupled to the slide (33) via a reversible mechanic transmission (45) for positioning the grinding wheel (22) and a pneumatic thrust cylinder (39) acting directly on the slide (33) to push the polishing wheel (27); a command and control unit (16) being envisaged for activating at least the pneumatic cylinder (39) when the polishing wheel (27) is mounted on the wheel head, and the electric motor (27) when a grinding wheel (22) is mounted on the same wheel head (31).