Isopipe Weir Fluid Discharge for Molten Glass Layer Thickness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the fusion draw process for glass manufacture, existing methods struggle to independently control the thickness of each glass layer in multi-layer laminates, particularly in the horizontal direction, where mechanical adjustments can affect bulk glass but not individual layers effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a fluid discharge member that projects a fluid stream onto the molten glass at the weirs of an isopipe, allowing for localized temperature control and flow property alteration, enabling independent control of glass layer thickness by adjusting fluid flow rate, temperature, orientation, and geometry of the discharge member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical adjustments are made to control glass layer thickness, then the bulk glass properties can be modified, but independent control of individual glass layer thickness is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glass stream control into multiple independent zones by introducing separate fluid discharge members for each glass layer. The fluid jets create localized cooling zones at different positions, allowing independent thickness control of each glass layer while maintaining bulk glass properties through centralized parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using fluid discharge members that create localized temperature variations only at specific positions where glass layers need thickness adjustment. The fluid jets affect only the local glass stream properties at the target location, leaving other regions unchanged, thus enabling independent control of individual layer thickness without affecting bulk glass properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If fluid stream projection is used for localized flow control, then precise thickness control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic or hydraulic fluid discharge members (gas or liquid jets) to control glass flow characteristics. The fluid streams modify local glass viscosity and surface tension through temperature and pressure effects, enabling precise thickness control without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms for each glass layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls glass layer thickness by changing physical parameters of the fluid discharge (flow rate, temperature, pressure, orientation) rather than modifying the physical structure of the glass forming apparatus. This allows precise control through parameter adjustment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 allows for precise control of glass layer thickness in laminated glass sheets, enabling the creation of complex thickness patterns and improving the uniformity of multi-layer glass products by altering the flow distribution and temperature properties of the molten glass.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid source to contact with the surface area of a molten glass mass overflowing the at least one weir
Implementation Method 2
The fluid or air jet stream can act to cool the glass locally, and thus reduce the glass mass flow
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for fusion draw glass manufacture, including:at least one isopipe having at least one weir; anda fluid discharge member in proximity to the at least one weir of the at least one isopipe, the fluid discharge member is in fluid communication with a remote fluid source. Methods of making and using the apparatus are also disclosed.