Gravity Bending Mould with Multi-Region Support Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gravity bending moulds for glass panes often result in mould markings due to high compressive loads and uneven contact, which can reduce the quality of the glass panes, especially when producing complex shapes or strong curvatures.
Innovation Solution
A gravity bending mould with a support surface comprising an outer, central, and inner region, where the outer region is planar, the central region is inclined inward, and the inner region is strongly curved in the opposite direction of the glass pane curvature, preventing direct contact with the inner edge and distributing pressure evenly to avoid markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the support surface is planar and inclined inward to match the final shape, then the bending mould can achieve the final shape of the glass pane, but it creates markings on the glass pane due to high compressive loads and uneven contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into three regions with different geometries: an outer region that is planar and horizontal, a central region that is inclined inward, and an inner region that is strongly curved. Each region serves a specific function: the outer region provides initial stable contact, the central region enables bending, and the inner region prevents contact in the bent state. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each zone for its specific purpose rather than using a uniform inclined surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact region between the glass pane and support surface dynamically shifts during the bending process. Initially, the planar glass pane contacts the outer region; as bending progresses, the contact shifts to the central region; and in the final bent state, contact is maintained away from the inner edge. This dynamic adaptation allows the support surface to accommodate changing geometric requirements without creating markings.
2Shape
If the glass pane is heated to softening temperature for gravity bending, then the pane can be bent under gravity influence, but the center of the pane drops creating excessive curvature in strong bending cases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support surface provide different levels of support: the outer region provides broad stable support to prevent excessive drooping, the central region allows controlled bending, and the inner region is positioned to prevent contact in the final bent state. This spatial differentiation of support characteristics enables precise control over the final curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface utilizes three-dimensional geometric variation with the outer region being planar and horizontal, the central region inclined inward, and the inner region strongly curved. This multi-level geometric structure provides nuanced control over the bending process, allowing the glass pane to achieve the desired curvature without excessive drooping.
3Device complexity
If conventional frame-like support surfaces are used, then the bending process is simple, but the glass pane quality is reduced due to mould markings
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface incorporates three distinct geometric regions (outer planar region, central inclined region, inner curved region) within a single frame-like structure. This maintains the overall simplicity and frame-like nature of the bending mould while locally optimizing each region to prevent markings: the outer region provides stable initial contact, the central region enables controlled bending, and the inner region prevents contact in the final state.
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
The solution effectively prevents mould markings by ensuring the glass pane rests on a larger area initially and shifts contact to a central region during bending, maintaining high glass quality without complex adjustments or additional methods, and is easily integrated into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pane is then heated to at least its softening temperature such that the center of the pane drops, under the influence of gravity, creating the bend
Implementation Method 2
the center of the pane drops, under the influence of gravity, creating the bend
Data Source
AI summary
A gravity bending mould for bending glass panes, includes a frame-like support surface that is suitable for arranging a glass pane thereon and that has an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the support surface has an outer region facing the outer edge, an inner region facing the inner edge, and a central region between the outer region and the inner region, and wherein the outer region is planar and horizontal, the central region is inclined toward the inner edge and is planar or curved, and the inner region has a curvature in the opposite direction to the curvature of the glass pane, and wherein the inner region is more strongly curved than the central region.