Laminated Glass Trimming via Optical Edge Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for trimming laminated glass semifinished products are time-consuming, expensive, and lack precision due to manual operation or unsatisfactory automatic systems, especially with thin glass sheets or coated glass, where rollers can damage the coating and struggle with varying geometrical and dimensional glass sheet characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method and machine that uses motorized cutting tools with optical detectors to detect cantilevered glass sheet segments, keeping the cutting edge spaced from the glass sheets, allowing precise trimming without physical contact, especially suitable for thin or coated glass, by generating position signals to control the cutting tool's position and distance from the glass edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual trimming is used, then precision and reliability are improved, but productivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical trimming system with an automated system that uses optical detection (light-based) to guide the cutting process. Optical detectors scan the glass sheet edges and provide real-time position signals to control the cutting head's movement, substituting human visual-mechanical operation with automated opto-mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting system automatically adjusts its position based on real-time detection of the glass sheet edges. The optical detectors continuously monitor the glass sheet position, and the control system autonomously modifies the cutting head trajectory without manual intervention, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain precision throughout the trimming process.
2Productivity
If automatic trimming with rollers is used, then productivity is improved, but reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical roller contact system and replaces it with a non-contact optical detection system. Instead of using physical rollers to track glass sheet position, the system uses optical detectors that emit light beams and detect reflected light to determine glass sheet edge positions, thereby avoiding mechanical contact and its associated reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the detection system and the glass sheet. The optical detectors use light beams to sense the position of glass sheet edges without physical contact, and the control system uses these optical signals to mediate the positioning of the cutting head, creating a contactless information transfer chain.
3Ease of operation
If rollers are used to maintain cutting edge distance, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller-based positioning system with an optical detection and control system. Instead of using rollers to maintain physical distance between the cutting edge and glass sheets, the system uses optical detectors to sense glass sheet positions and electronically controls the cutting head's movement to maintain the appropriate spacing, eliminating mechanical contact that causes coating damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light as an intermediary to transfer position information from the glass sheets to the control system without physical contact. The optical detectors detect glass sheet edge positions through light reflection, and this optical information mediates the control of cutting head positioning, preventing direct mechanical contact that would harm delicate coatings.
4Productivity
If automatic trimming with rollers is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller positioning system with an optical detection system that provides more precise position sensing. The optical detectors can detect glass sheet edge positions with higher accuracy than mechanical rollers, and the electronic control system can process this data to achieve more precise cutting head positioning, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining automated productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting system continuously self-adjusts its position based on real-time optical detection feedback. The optical detectors constantly monitor glass sheet edge positions, and the control system automatically modifies the cutting head trajectory in real-time without manual intervention, enabling the system to self-correct positioning errors and maintain high precision throughout the automated trimming process.
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, precise, and cost-effective trimming of laminated glass semifinished products regardless of glass sheet thickness and geometry, preventing damage to coatings and extending tool life by maintaining a consistent distance from the glass edges.
Implementation Method 1
detecting by means of at least an optical detector and during said trimming operation, at least a peripheral segment of the peripheral edge of one of the glass sheets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Forming method and trimming machine (1), according to which a laminated glass assembly (2) having two side glass sheets (4) (5) and an intermediate sheet (6) of thermoplastic material having at least one peripheral portion (7) protruding beyond the outer peripheral edges (4A) (5A) of the glass sheets (4) (5) is trimmed by means of a cutting tool (36) moved in a first direction (22) by a cart (20) and in a second direction (31) orthogonal to the first direction by a motorised actuator (32) controlled by a command and control unit (45) configured to control the motorised actuator (32) as a function of a sheet edge position signal received from at least one optical detector (38) (39), in turn, configured to detect the position of at least one peripheral segment of the peripheral edge (4A) (5A) of one of the glass sheets (4) (5) which protrudes in a cantilever fashion beyond the other glass sheet (4) (5).