Glass Sheet Cutting via Hinge Rotation and Scoring Path Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass cutting machines face limitations in increasing production rate while maintaining geometric and dimensional quality, as diagonal cuts require repositioning the sheet, leading to positioning errors and reduced quality when trying to speed up the process.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a hinging and retaining unit that allows the glass sheet to be rotated and held securely, eliminating the need for longitudinal translations by aligning cutting lines with the scoring path, using a combination of motorized carriages, pneumatic actuators, and a suction cap to maintain precise positioning and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sheet is repositioned at higher speed to increase production rate, then cutting time is reduced, but positioning errors increase and product quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the sheet back and forth along the scoring path, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the sheet about a hinge axis so that cutting lines are brought into alignment with the fixed scoring path. This eliminates the need for longitudinal translations and repositioning operations, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while enabling faster cutting cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the sheet to be rotated about a hinge axis during the cutting process. This dynamic adjustment enables different cutting lines to be scored without requiring the sheet to be repositioned along the scoring path, thus maintaining precision while increasing productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet is repositioned for diagonal cuts, then cutting coverage is improved, but time is lost and positioning errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than translating the sheet to accommodate diagonal cuts, the invention rotates the sheet about a hinge axis perpendicular to the scoring path. This allows diagonal and angular cutting lines to be scored without longitudinal repositioning, eliminating time loss while maintaining adaptability to various cutting patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the cutting process by introducing a hinge axis perpendicular to the scoring path. This enables the sheet to be rotated into different orientations, allowing diagonal and angular cuts to be performed without losing time on repositioning operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sheet is held securely during rotation, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hinge axis as an intermediary element that facilitates rotation while maintaining secure holding of the sheet. This hinge mechanism serves as a mediator between the sheet and the scoring tools, enabling precise rotational movement without compromising positioning accuracy or requiring overly complex device structures.
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 reduces cutting times without compromising product quality, as the sheet is always securely held and rotated in a controlled manner, maintaining initial references and minimizing positioning errors, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of glass cutting.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cap (41) suitable to hold the sheet (2) securely during such rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine (1) and method for cutting a glass sheet (2,2') along at least one predefined cutting line (L1;L2), according to which the glass sheet is arranged on a supporting surface (8) of the cutting machine which is provided with a scoring tool (20) movable along a scoring path (22); a coupling member (29) for coupling to the sheet and rotatable about a hinge axis (25) intersecting the scoring path (22); and a sheet handling member (41;43) movable along a rectilinear direction (46) orthogonal to the scoring path (22); the sheet being cut by bringing the cutting line (L1;L2) to intersect the scoring path (22) in at least one point (K), by bringing the hinge axis (25) to intersect the intersection point (K), by stably coupling the sheet to the coupling member (29), by rotating the sheet about the hinge axis (25) by means of the sheet handling member (42; 43) until the cutting line (L1;L2) is made to coincide with the scoring path and by scoring the sheet along the cutting line by means of said scoring tool (20) before severing the sheet along the cutting line.