Laser Thermal Scoring for Precise Glass Plate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing elastically deformable glass plates are difficult to control and often result in unintended breakage, especially when cutting large or thick glass, and lack industrial-scale solutions for precise and fail-safe separation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a laser to thermally score and separate glass plates, with a repetitive fan-shaped laser beam and cooling nozzle to create a controlled crack, allowing for precise and high-speed separation of large-format glass plates on an industrial scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical breaking is used to separate glass plates, then the separation can be performed with simple equipment, but the breaking operation is difficult to control and may result in unintended breakage at different lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical breaking system with a laser-based thermal system. The laser beam heats the glass along the desired breaking line, creating a controlled thermal stress that causes precise breaking without the need for mechanical force. This substitution eliminates the control problems of mechanical breaking while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the glass by applying localized thermal energy. By controlling the laser power, scanning speed, and beam focus, the glass undergoes controlled thermal expansion and stress, enabling precise breaking at the desired location without affecting surrounding areas.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional cutting methods are used to produce elastically deformable glass plates, then the process is simple, but microcracks occur on the edges reducing elastic deformability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cutting methods with laser thermal scoring. The laser creates a controlled surface modification without the mechanical contact that causes microcracks. The thermal process modifies the glass surface structure along the breaking line without generating the lateral stresses and microcracks associated with mechanical cutting, thereby preserving edge integrity and elastic deformability.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser thermal scoring is used to separate glass plates, then precise and controlled breaking is achieved, but complex apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the laser apparatus to perform multiple functions: the same laser system can score, break, and cut glass of various thicknesses and types. The apparatus is designed to be adaptable to different glass materials and breaking patterns, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and justifying the initial complexity through versatile application.
4Productivity
If high cutting speed is required for industrial scale production, then productivity increases, but control and precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous laser scanning to score the glass plate at high speed. The laser beam continuously moves along the desired breaking line, maintaining constant thermal input and ensuring uniform surface modification. This continuous action allows high cutting speeds while maintaining precision, as the process does not require stopping or repositioning between scoring and breaking operations.
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 enables accurate, high-speed, and fail-safe separation of large-format glass plates, avoiding microcracks and allowing for greater elastic deformation, suitable for industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is used to heat progressively on a specific line the surface of a glass plate
Implementation Method 2
heating and cooling the surface of the glass plate to be separated is used on a predetermined scribed line
Implementation Method 3
the laser beam is followed at a set distance by a nozzle for the application of coolant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for the industrial production of elastically deformable large-surface-area glass plates in high quantities, comprising the following characteristics: a) a device for feeding a glass plate (3), b) a device for providing the surface of the glass plate (3) with initial damage in the region of the desired breaking line, c) a device for the locally limited heating of the glass surface by way of a laser beam moving on a straight line in a fan-shaped pivoting manner, d) a device for cooling the glass surface, wherein a controllable cooling nozzle delivering a fluid is disposed on at least one side of the laser beam, e) a device for transporting a thermally locally pretreated glass plate (3) into the region of a device for breaking the glass plate (3), f) a device for detecting a straight-line crack formation on the surface of a glass plate (3), g) a straight-lined breaking blade on the underside of the glass plate (3), which blade can be lifted on one side and/or both sides.