Laminated Glass Cutting via Suction and Localized Heating
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cutting laminated glass sheets are complex and costly, lacking in efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving disc cutters for both glass sheets, a pressure roller to break off the lower sheet, and localized heating to cut the intermediate film, with suction cups to manage sheet portions, ensuring efficient and cost-effective cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first clamping member is used to clamp the first portion of the sheet, then the lower glass sheet can be broken off effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the first clamping member from the cutting apparatus, extracting the complex clamping mechanism entirely. Instead, it uses suction cup holding means to secure the first portion of the laminated sheet during the breaking off process, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces suction cup holding means as an intermediary element to replace the complex clamping mechanism. These suction cups provide effective holding of the sheet portion without requiring complex mechanical clamping structures, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If multiple clamping members and support means are used, then the cutting process is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the first clamping member and reduces the number of support means required, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining cutting process reliability through the use of suction cup holding means and optimized pressure element positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs suction cups which are simpler, cheaper components compared to complex clamping mechanisms. These suction cups can be easily replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains reliability without requiring expensive, complex mechanical clamping systems
3Manufacturing precision
If the intermediate film is cut through localized heating, then the cutting precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized heating only to the specific region where the intermediate film needs to be cut, rather than heating the entire sheet. This concentrated thermal application achieves precise cutting at the cutting line while minimizing overall energy consumption by limiting the heated area to exactly what is needed
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 method simplifies the cutting process, enhances efficiency, and improves versatility by using suction cups to manage sheet deformation and pressure, allowing for precise and cost-effective cutting of laminated glass sheets.
Implementation Method 1
holding means comprising a series of suction cups arranged adjacent to each other and aligned with the cutting line
Implementation Method 2
cutting the intermediate film through localised heating performed along the cutting line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A method for cutting a laminated glass sheet (2) along predetermined lines, comprises the following steps: - making incisions in both glass sheets (3, 4), the incision being performed by the passage of respective disc cutters (16, 18) across the glass sheets (3, 4), - moving a pressure roller (17) across the upper glass sheet (3), so as to cause the lower glass sheet (4) to break off, - engaging the lower surface of a first portion (21) of the laminated sheet (2) through suction cup holding means (23), - raising the first portion (21) of the laminated sheet (2) by means of the upwards displacement of support means (23, 24) which cooperate with the lower glass sheet (4), - exerting a predetermined pressure downwards against a second portion (20) of the laminated sheet, which is on the opposite side of the cutting line (T) with respect to the first portion (21), by means of a pressure element (12) brought into cooperation with the upper glass sheet (3) of the second portion (20) so as to cause the upper sheet to break off (3), and - cutting the intermediate film (5) by localised heating (22) performed along the cutting line (T) using an incision wheel or cutter.