Glass Sheet Positioning Device for Press Bending Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet bending processes face challenges in accurately positioning hot glass sheets, leading to poor quality products due to misalignment during the bending process, especially when using press bending methods where the glass sheet is positioned primarily in the direction of travel before heating, resulting in suboptimal alignment on the bending tools.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for adjusting the position of the glass sheet on the bending tool shortly before shaping, using a positioning device with a movable portion and actuator to contact the glass sheet edge, allowing for precise alignment and minimizing deviation from the target position, combined with a press bending process where the glass sheet is shaped between a ring-type and full-faced moulds that move towards each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the glass sheet is positioned on the ring-type mould using rollers and stops before heating, then the positioning is performed in advance, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates due to deviations occurring during heating and transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device performs preliminary positioning of the glass sheet on the ring-type mould before the pressing operation begins. The movable portion is positioned to contact the glass sheet edge and establish accurate alignment, then remains in place during the heating and pressing process to maintain this positioning throughout the forming cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device provides continuous positional control of the glass sheet during the forming process. By maintaining contact with the glass sheet edge through the movable portion, the system can detect and correct any deviations from the target position that occur during heating and pressing, ensuring consistent alignment accuracy.
2Temperature
If the glass sheet is heated to bending temperature and then positioned, then the glass is in a formable state for shaping, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to the rapid cooling process
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device establishes the correct glass sheet position on the ring-type mould before the pressing operation begins. By completing the positioning action while the glass is still hot and formable, the system ensures accurate alignment is captured at the optimal temperature state, and this positioning is maintained throughout the subsequent rapid cooling process.
3Device complexity
If vertically movable stops are used to position the glass sheet in the direction of travel, then the positioning mechanism is simple, but the positioning accuracy in perpendicular directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is divided into separate functional components: vertically movable stops for positioning in the direction of travel, and a separate positioning device with a movable portion for positioning in perpendicular directions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one dimension, achieving accurate positioning in all directions without requiring a single complex mechanism.
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 enhances the reproducibility and accuracy of glass sheet positioning, reducing waste and improving the quality of bent glass products by allowing for late-stage adjustment and precise alignment during the bending process, ensuring the glass sheet maintains the desired shape and dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning device with a movable portion and actuator to contact the glass sheet edge, allowing for precise alignment
Implementation Method 2
a press bending process where the glass sheet is shaped between a ring-type and full-faced moulds that move towards each other
Implementation Method 3
the heated glass sheet is deformable and the bending process carried out
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for shaping a glass sheet comprising the steps (i) heating the glass sheet to a temperature suitable for shaping; (ii) depositing the glass sheet on a first bending tool for supporting the glass sheet thereon, the glass sheet being in a first position relative to the first bending tool; (iii) contacting an edge portion of the glass sheet such that the glass sheet is moved to a second position relative to the first bending tool; and (iv) shaping the glass sheet on the first bending tool. Positioning devices for moving a hot glass sheet during the method of the invention are described. A glass shaping line for carrying out the method is also described.