Glass Manufacturing Support Structure for Thermal Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Glass manufacturing apparatuses face premature component failure due to stress accumulation from thermal expansion, especially when increasing throughput requires higher operating temperatures, leading to reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
The glass manufacturing apparatus incorporates a support structure that allows relative movement between the stir chamber base and delivery vessel during thermal expansion, using sliding joints and spring assemblies to counteract gravitational loads and facilitate vertical expansion, thereby reducing stress accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher operating temperatures are used to increase throughput, then molten glass flow is improved, but stress accumulation in components increases leading to reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the stir chamber position relative to the delivery vessel, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of components during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the support structure from rigid to flexible through the use of movable connections and spring assemblies, allowing it to accommodate dimensional changes in components due to temperature variations
2Stability of the object's composition
If components are fixed rigidly to prevent movement, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal expansion stresses cause premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate components (stir chamber support, delivery vessel support) connected by movable joints, allowing each segment to expand independently while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic movable connection system that can adapt to thermal expansion, preventing stress accumulation while maintaining stability
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 solution extends the service life of glass manufacturing apparatus components by alleviating stress and strain caused by thermal expansion, ensuring continuous operation and preventing potential leaks and failures.
Implementation Method 1
facilitate vertical expansion of the delivery vessel away from the reference point upon heating
Implementation Method 2
a support system comprising one or more spring assemblies extending between the delivery vessel and a support structure attached to the reference point
Data Source
AI summary
A glass manufacturing apparatus includes a stir chamber disposed on a base. The stir chamber includes an entry port attached to a first connector tube, a chamber conduit, and an elbow conduit. The apparatus also includes a second connector tube connected to the elbow conduit to deliver molten glass therefrom. At least a portion of the second connector tube extends at least partially upward in the vertical direction. The apparatus also includes a delivery vessel connected to the second connector tube. One of the base or the delivery vessel is attached to a reference point that is fixed in the vertical direction. The other one of the base or the delivery vessel is movable in response to thermal expansion of the second connector tube, which is independent of thermal expansion of the other one of the base or the delivery vessel.