High-Frequency Induction Heater for Glass Edge Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing glass sheet edges, such as grinding and chamfering, result in contamination, breakage, surface scratches, and opacity due to glass particles, and are unsuitable for large-scale glass articles like LCD TVs, requiring complex processes and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a high-frequency induction heater to cut the edge of a cooled glass sheet into a strip shape, preventing particle formation by bringing a cooled glass edge into contact with a heating member induction-heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature, allowing for precise edge cutting without dust creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If grinding or chamfering is used to process glass sheet edges, then the edges can be shaped and finished, but glass particles are generated causing contamination, surface scratches, and opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical grinding and chamfering systems with a thermal processing system using a moving flame source. The flame melts the glass edge material, which is then removed by a suction device, eliminating mechanical contact that generates harmful particles while achieving the desired edge shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of glass from solid to liquid state through localized heating with a flame. The glass edge is heated to its melting point, allowing it to be removed without mechanical force, thereby preventing particle generation and surface damage associated with mechanical processing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If encapsulating devices are used to prevent particle contamination, then glass particles can be contained, but the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful glass particles into a beneficial controlled removal process. By using a flame to melt the glass and a suction device to immediately remove the molten material, the system eliminates particle contamination at the source rather than attempting to contain or manage particles after they are generated.
3Length of stationary object
If flame processing is used for large-scale glass articles, then edge processing can be achieved, but preheating and annealing processes are required increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized heating only to the specific edge region requiring processing, rather than heating the entire glass sheet. The flame is positioned to contact only the edge portion, allowing selective processing of large glass articles without requiring global preheating or annealing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a suction device that operates simultaneously with the flame processing to immediately remove molten glass as it is formed. This preliminary removal action prevents the need for subsequent annealing processes that would be required if the entire glass sheet were heated and held at elevated temperatures.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process, eliminates dust production, and ensures a transparent edge without the need for high-temperature furnaces or preheating, enabling efficient processing of both small and large glass sheets with increased productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member coming into contact with the edge of the moving glass substrate; and a high-frequency induction heater heating the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for heat treating and processing an edge of a large thin glass sheet used for a liquid crystal TV or the like. The method for processing an edge of a glass substrate according to the present invention is characterized by cutting an edge of a glass substrate by bringing a heated member into contact with the edge of the glass substrate that is cooled, and then moving the heated member. According to the present invention, provided is a new method of removing the edge of glass in a strip shape without producing dust. Also, according to the method of the present invention, since it is unnecessary to heat the glass at a high temperature, a large furnace is not necessary. Further, since a post-processing operation such as preheating or annealing is unnecessary, the manufacturing process is highly simplified.