Glass Stem Spatial Shaping Using In-Line Forming Element Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial glass production methods struggle to achieve high productivity and precision in shaping glass stems, particularly in achieving spatially shaped stems while maintaining high repeatability and low energy consumption, as existing methods require repeated manipulation and high energy demands.
Innovation Solution
A method where the glass product is moved on a production line with individual working positions, with the stem being heated and shaped using a forming element that contacts the stem from one side, allowing for spatial shaping before final cooling, utilizing existing heat sources and existing production line machinery, and featuring a forming element with linear and rotational movements to achieve desired shapes without additional energy-intensive heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the stem is shaped after final cooling using separate fixation heads and heating, then individual spatial shapes can be achieved, but productivity decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shaping function with the existing production line by integrating a forming element that contacts the stem during its movement, eliminating the need for separate fixation heads and subsequent shaping operations. This merging of functions maintains spatial shape precision while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming element applies shaping action to the stem while it is still hot and plastic during the production process, before final cooling occurs. This preliminary shaping eliminates the need for post-cooling manipulation and heating, thereby maintaining high productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the stem is shaped after final cooling, then spatial shapes can be achieved, but energy consumption increases due to repeated heating
Solution Approach 1:
The forming element shapes the stem while it is still hot and plastic during the production process, before final cooling occurs. This preliminary shaping eliminates the need for post-cooling manipulation and heating, thereby maintaining high productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate shaping device with fixation heads is used, then spatial shapes can be achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shaping function with the existing production line by integrating a forming element that contacts the stem during its movement, eliminating the need for separate fixation heads and subsequent shaping operations. This merging of functions maintains spatial shape precision while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming element is integrated into the existing production line structure, allowing the same equipment to serve both production and shaping functions. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and eliminates the need for dedicated shaping machinery.
4Manufacturing precision
If the stem is shaped by pressing in a mould, then some shapes can be achieved, but spatial deformation is limited and technological problems arise with mould opening
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of limiting shaping to a single plane through mould pressing, the forming element contacts the stem from one side and applies force in multiple directions during the stem's movement, enabling true three-dimensional spatial deformation including folds and twists that would be impossible with conventional mould pressing.
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 method enhances productivity and energy efficiency by allowing precise, repeated shaping of glass stems on existing production lines, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for additional heating, while maintaining dimensional and shape stability, enabling the production of spatially shaped stems with high precision.
Implementation Method 1
the stem is heated to 50 to 100 K beyond the Littleton softening point
Implementation Method 2
the heated part of the stem is then subsequently shaped, for example by stretching, rotating, twisting, pressing
Data Source
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AI summary
The semifinished product of the finished glass product, such as a wine glass, moves in the production process on the production line attached through the base of the stem (3) and through the bowl (1). Through a reverse movement to the path of movement of the stem (3), the forming element moves (2) out and during the heating step contacts the softened stem (3) and pushes on it. The reverse movement of the forming element (2) is linear and/or rotational or it may be composed of rotation and sliding. The device for carrying out the method has a forming element (2), which is slidably placed in a holder (6). The movement mechanism moves forming element (2) into the path and out of the path of movement of the glass product on the production line. Forming element (2) has a contact zone with the rounded edges for contacting the heated and softened glass stem. Preferably the forming element (2) is fork-shaped with two arms (4) connected to each other by a part having a rounded edge. Forming element (2) tilts while rotating during contact with the heated, softened stem (3), by which contact it not only folds, but also twists the stem (3) at the same time. The result of pressing in a direction that is perpendicular to the movement of the glass product on the production line as well as the swinging movement around the axis has repetably precise, spatial deformation of the stem (3) while keepign the original position of the bowl (1) towards the base. Disclosed and claimed is also the finished, reshaped glass product produced, which by way of example may be a wine tasting glass or an ornate drinking glass, the product having smooth surafces where it has been joined (stem and bowl/base) and having a stem with a fold or bend, in which fodl/bend zone it is also twisted.