Glass Strip Severing with Foldable Lock Rolls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and removing inclusions in glass ribbons during continuous production are inefficient, leading to significant waste and disruption in the production process, as they often require external light sources, result in limited laser beam coverage, and lack effective mechanisms for quick and minimal waste separation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing detectors to mark inclusions on a glass ribbon, which are then scored and broken off using pressure rollers, with a conveyor belt system that includes lock rollers to facilitate quick and controlled discharge of defective glass sections, minimizing waste and maintaining production continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical investigation methods using laser light are used to detect inclusions, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The glass ribbon itself serves as the light source through its thermal radiation during cooling, eliminating the need for external laser equipment. The glass's own electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range is detected by thermal cameras, making the system self-sufficient and reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical and optical laser-based detection system is replaced with a thermal radiation detection system using infrared cameras. This substitution eliminates complex laser generators, beam control mechanisms, and optical components, replacing them with simpler thermal imaging technology that detects inclusions through temperature differences
2Measurement precision
If laser beam methods are used for inclusion detection, then detection precision is improved, but the usable coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection method transitions from linear laser beam scanning to two-dimensional thermal image capture. Infrared cameras capture the entire width of the glass ribbon simultaneously in the transverse direction, while the continuous movement of the ribbon provides the longitudinal dimension, enabling full-surface detection without sequential scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal camera system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects inclusions across the entire glass surface, records temperature distribution, and provides real-time feedback for the cutting system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized laser devices that would be required to achieve comparable coverage
3Reliability
If marked glass sections are separated using traditional cutting methods, then inclusion removal is achieved, but production disruption and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
Inclusions are detected and marked on the moving glass ribbon before the cutting operation. The marking system pre-identifies all inclusion locations along the ribbon length, allowing the cutting system to be precisely positioned and activated only when needed, rather than requiring continuous stopping and inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting system is designed to move dynamically with the glass ribbon at variable speeds. The cutting unit can accelerate, decelerate, and position itself along the ribbon length while the glass continues to move, enabling cutting operations without stopping the production line. The system adapts its speed to match the ribbon's movement and the detected inclusion locations
4Reliability
If conventional cutting devices are used to separate defective glass sections, then separation is achieved, but waste glass disposal becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Only the specific sections of glass containing inclusions are extracted and removed from the continuous ribbon. The cutting system precisely isolates and separates only the defective portions while leaving the remaining glass intact and usable, minimizing waste compared to methods that would require cutting out larger safety margins or stopping the entire production line
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 reliable and efficient separation and diversion of marked glass plates with minimal waste, allowing for continuous production by using a combination of detection and mechanical separation methods that adapt to the glass ribbon's speed and thickness.
Implementation Method 1
during the solidification of the liquid glass to ambient temperature, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object made of glass is recorded in a spatially resolving manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for severing a marked region of a glass strip (1) produced continuously on a conveyor belt (11), having the following characteristics: a) a line (12) highlighting the severing of the marked region is scored on the continuous glass strip (1), b) once the scored line (12) reaches the crusher roll (6), the two lock rolls (7, 8) following the crusher roll (6) are folded away downward, c) once the scored line (12) is located in the region of the highest area of the crusher roll (6), means for shearing off (5) push onto the glass strip (1) and break it off, d) after the broken-off glass piece (10) has dropped, the lock rolls (7, 8, 9) are folded back in the conveyor belt (11), and to a computer program and a machine-readable carrier with the program code thereof.