Glass Tube Forming Tool With Internal Lubrication and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass tube conversion processes face inefficiencies due to the need for lubricant application and cooling pauses, which can lead to defects and production downtime, as well as issues with lubricant burning and excessive friction.

Innovation Solution

The use of forming tools with integrated fluid cavities and thermally conductive inserts that deliver lubricant and coolant directly to the glass tube interface, regulating temperature and reducing friction through controlled lubrication and heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lubricant is sprayed onto forming tools to reduce friction, then friction marks and thermal checks are prevented, but the conversion process is paused and carbon layer formation occurs if tools are not sufficiently cooled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of glass articlesVSAvoidconversion process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tools are pre-cooled through internal coolant channels before each forming operation to ensure they are at the appropriate temperature for lubricant application, eliminating the need to pause the process for cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coolant circulation system operates continuously through the forming tools during the entire conversion process, maintaining optimal temperature conditions without interrupting production flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If forming tools are cooled between processing glass tubes to prevent lubricant burning, then carbon layer formation is avoided, but production efficiency decreases due to process pauses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface quality of forming toolsVSAvoidprocess interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Coolant is pre-circulated through the forming tools to establish optimal temperature conditions before lubricant application, ensuring tools remain at appropriate temperatures throughout the forming process without requiring intermediate cooling pauses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system operates continuously during the entire conversion process, maintaining stable tool temperatures and eliminating downtime associated with intermittent cooling cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If insufficient volume of lubricant is applied to forming tools, then lubricant application time is reduced, but excessive friction results in defects in the glass tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricant application speedVSAvoidquality of glass tube

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tool structure itself serves as the lubricant delivery system through integrated channels and openings, automatically providing precise lubricant application to the glass tube surface without requiring external spraying operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical spraying system is replaced with an integrated fluid delivery system where lubricant is pumped through internal channels and applied directly at the forming interface, ensuring consistent and adequate lubrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 production efficiency by minimizing defects and downtime, ensuring precise lubrication and temperature control, thereby improving the quality and speed of glass article conversion.

Implementation Method 1

the thermally conductive insert comprising a thermal conductivity that is greater than that of a material out of which the insertion portion is formed, the thermally conductive insert extending through the fluid cavity such that the fluid in the fluid cavity regulates a temperature of the thermally conductive insert

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the fluid comprises a lubricant forming a film between the insertion portion and the glass tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS12630455B2Forming tools for converting glass tubes into glass articles

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 CORNING INC

AI summary

A forming tool for use during a process of converting a glass tube into a glass container, includes a base portion comprising a fluid cavity for containing a fluid and an insertion portion extending from the base portion. The insertion portion includes an external surface sized to fit into an opening of the glass tube. In embodiments, the insertion portion comprises a fluid opening extending from an interior surface thereof to the external surface, the fluid opening configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid cavity between the insertion portion and the glass tube. In embodiments, the forming tool comprises a thermally conductive insert extending through the base portion and the insertion portion, the thermally conductive insert extending through the fluid cavity such that the fluid in the fluid cavity regulates a temperature of the thermally conductive insert.