Glass Sheet Positioning for Rotational Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning heated glass sheets with respect to forming molds are inefficient in correcting rotational misalignment and ensuring precise vertical alignment, leading to inaccuracies in the forming process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a roll conveyor and laterally spaced positioners that move at a slower speed than the conveyor to correct rotational misalignment, followed by synchronized deceleration and acceleration to ensure the glass sheet aligns vertically with a peripheral forming mold having an open center, allowing the mold to lift the glass sheet for forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the glass sheet is conveyed at a constant high speed on the roll conveyor, then productivity is improved, but the ability to correct rotational misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system dynamically adjusts its speed during the positioning process. The conveyor operates at a first speed during the positioning phase to allow the positioners to effectively rotate the glass sheet, then transitions to a second, faster speed during the conveying phase to maintain high productivity. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between alignment precision and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the positioners move at a slower speed than the conveyor, then rotational alignment precision is improved, but the time required for positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning process is segmented into distinct phases: a positioning phase where the conveyor runs at a slower first speed to allow effective rotational correction, and a conveying phase where the conveyor operates at a faster second speed. The positioners operate at speeds coordinated with each phase. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise alignment without excessive time loss, as the high-speed conveying resumes quickly after positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If the conveyor speed is decelerated to allow positioners to correct rotation, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically coordinates the speeds of the conveyor and positioners throughout the positioning process. The conveyor decelerates to a first speed while the positioners operate at a coordinated second speed to achieve precise alignment. After positioning is complete, the conveyor transitions to a faster third speed for conveying. This dynamic speed coordination ensures both high alignment precision and maintained productivity by minimizing the time spent at reduced speeds.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus (54) for positioning glass sheets for forming includes positioners (55) that are moved slower than the speed of glass sheet conveyance to provide rotational adjustment of a glass sheet into alignment above a forming mold (52). The forming mold (52) is moved upwardly for the forming in a pressing manner against a downwardly facing upper mold (58). Both preformed and flat glass sheets can be positioned by different embodiments of the apparatus.