Glass Sheet Handling Apparatus with Movable Spacer Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass sheet handling apparatuses are inadequate in removing spacers from glass sheets, as they can only effectively remove spacers in preset positions, failing to adapt to varying spacer positions, such as those of vertically arranged cardboard spacers with unknown positions.
Innovation Solution
A sheet handling apparatus with a comb-like structure and motor-driven components, including rotating and sliding means, equipped with suction pads and removal arms with hooks or teeth, allowing the removal of spacers in any position by extending and rotating to reach spacers on glass sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-position spacer removing means are used, then the apparatus can remove spacers in preset positions, but it cannot adapt to spacers with unknown positions
Solution Approach 1:
The removal means are made movable relative to the pick-up means, allowing dynamic adjustment of the removal means position to reach spacers at any location on the glass sheet. This dynamic configuration enables the apparatus to adapt to unknown spacer positions while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal means are divided into multiple independent elements that can be selectively positioned and activated. This segmentation allows the system to target specific spacer locations without requiring a complete redesign for each spacer configuration, thereby managing complexity while improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removal means are made movable to reach any spacer position, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable removal means are designed to perform multiple functions: removing spacers from various positions, adapting to different spacer orientations, and working with different glass sheet sizes. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing a single versatile solution rather than multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanical structure connects the pick-up means and removal means, allowing the removal means to be positioned as needed while maintaining a relatively simple overall apparatus design. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the fixed pick-up structure and the movable removal elements.
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
Enables efficient and adaptable removal of spacers from glass sheets, ensuring effective handling regardless of spacer position, preventing obstruction during glass sheet handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a frame (122) having at least one post (124) with suction pads (125) associated thereto for engaging and removably holding a sheet (3)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a large sheet handling apparatus (100), wherein at least one sheet (3) is supported by support means (6), and wherein at least one spacer (5) is designed to be associated with one of the larger surfaces of the sheet (3). The apparatus (100) comprises pick-up means (120) for picking up sheets (3) that are movable relative to the support means (6) and are adapted to engage the front of the sheet (3), handling means (110) for handling and orienting the pick-up means (120) to set the position of the pick-up means (120) against the front side of the sheet (3), removal means (150) adapted to operate on the sheet (3) to remove the spacer (5) from the sheet (3), and drive means (160) for driving the removal means (150). The pick-up means (120) include at least one post (124) extending in a longitudinal direction (Y-Y), said post (124) supporting suction cups (125) which define a pick-up surface (P), and are designed to engage and removably hold the sheet (3). Advantageously, the removal means (150) are supported by the post (124) to be reversibly movable from a rest position, in which the removal means (150) are located substantially at said at least one post (124), to an operating position, in which the removal means (150) overhang the post (124) so that the projection of the removal means (150) on an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction (Y-Y) of extension of the post (124), in the rest position, is smaller than the projection of the removal means (150) in the operating position.