Horizontal Plate Edge Grinding with Automatic Rotation and Squaring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for grinding the edges of glass, stone, or synthetic material plates are limited in their ability to maintain the plate in a horizontal position, preventing operations like squaring and dimension correction, and require repeated positioning for processing multiple edges, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal machine with electronically-controlled actuators and a gripper system that allows the plate to be positioned automatically and rotated for processing multiple edges without repositioning, using a conveyor system and adjustable gripping members to maintain the plate in a stable horizontal position throughout the processing cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the plate is processed in a vertical position using conventional machines, then the grinding operation can be performed, but the plate cannot be squared or have its dimensions corrected, and repeated positioning is required for processing multiple edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical processing approach by implementing a horizontal processing machine. The plate is held horizontally by a movable carriage with gripping members, allowing the plate to be processed in a horizontal position rather than the traditional vertical position. This inversion enables squaring and dimension correction operations while reducing the need for repeated positioning of the plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable carriage that can translate along the plate and reposition itself automatically. The carriage carries gripping members that can release and re-grip the plate at different positions, enabling dynamic adjustment and repositioning during the processing cycle. This dynamic system eliminates the need for manual repeated positioning of the plate for processing multiple edges.
2Productivity
If the plate is repositioned manually for processing each edge, then all edges can be processed, but operator intervention is required and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-servicing system where the movable carriage automatically repositions itself along the plate without operator intervention. The carriage can release the plate, translate to a new position, and re-grip the plate automatically. This self-service capability enables fully automatic processing of all plate edges, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous processing by enabling the carriage to move and reposition the plate without interrupting the overall processing cycle. The automatic repositioning system allows the grinding tools to continuously work on different edges of the plate as it is reoriented by the movable carriage, maintaining continuous useful action and maximizing productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a horizontal processing machine is used, then squaring and dimension correction are enabled, but the machine complexity increases with movable carriages and gripping systems
Solution Approach 1:
The movable carriage serves multiple functions: it holds the plate with gripping members, translates along the plate for repositioning, and enables the plate to be processed in a horizontal position. This multi-functional design allows the machine to perform squaring, dimension correction, and edge grinding operations with a single integrated system, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced manufacturing precision and versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a machine and in a method for processing lateral edges of glass plates, plates of stone material, and plates of synthetic material, there is a group (G) of gripping members (7) of the plate configured to hold a plate (L) in a horizontal position. The plate is caused to advance in a conveying longitudinal direction (X), in such a way as to bring a lateral edge of the plate (L) to engage in succession an aligned series of grinding tools (40-44) forming part of a stationary machining unit (4). In one example, the group (G) of gripping members (7) of the plate is rotatably carried around a vertical axis (9) by a carriage (C), which is movable in the aforesaid conveying longitudinal direction (X) and in a transverse direction (Y) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X). The gripping members (7) are carried by the carriage (C) in such a way as to be adjustable in position, by means of electronically-controlled actuator devices, with respect to the carriage (C) and relative to each other. In the example, at the beginning of a work cycle, a plate (L) is located in position with respect to the stationary processing unit (4), and is then locked on the gripping members (7) after the gripping members have been automatically adjusted in position as a function of the size and/or shape of the plate (L). After the processing of a lateral edge of the plate (L) is completed, the latter is rotated around the aforesaid vertical axis (9) and then returned to a starting position, to perform the processing of another lateral edge of the plate. In the above-mentioned example, during the processing of a lateral edge of the plate, the group (G) of gripping members is moved in the longitudinal direction (X) in synchronism with a conveyor device of the plate (14) which is associated with the stationary machining unit (4).