Plunger Assembly Inertia Reduction for Molten Glass Ribbon Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plunger assemblies for forming ribbons of molten glass are mechanically complex, expensive, and difficult to control, leading to inaccuracies in drop weight and shape due to high inertia and long kinematic displacement chains, which limits the ability to form different ribbons and drops simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A plunger assembly with independently controlled extruder plungers and a compact drive mechanism, featuring a guide-slide system with motorized displacement devices and gear motors, allows each plunger to move according to predefined laws of motion, enabling precise control of ribbon and drop formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional motorized adjustment devices are interposed between each extruder plunger and the common arm to enable independent displacement control, then the ability to form different ribbons and drops simultaneously is improved, but the mass transported by the common arm increases significantly, increasing inertia and response times
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control mechanism by providing independent motorized adjustment devices for each extruder plunger rather than using a single common control mechanism. This allows each plunger to be controlled independently while maintaining a compact overall structure that doesn't significantly increase the mass transported by the common arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the motorized adjustment devices in a compact arrangement that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. The devices are arranged to minimize the cantilevered mass while still providing independent control, effectively using spatial dimensionality to reduce the inertial burden on the common arm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent motorized adjustment devices are added for each plunger, then individual law of motion control is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and drop weight control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses identical or similar motorized adjustment devices for each extruder plunger, creating a universal control module that can be replicated. This standardization reduces overall system complexity despite providing independent control, as each module performs the same function and can be controlled through a unified control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the control system to monitor and adjust the operation of each plunger based on actual performance. This feedback loop simplifies the control of drop weight by automatically compensating for variations, reducing the complexity of manual adjustment while maintaining precise individual control.
3Length of moving object
If long cantilevered support arms are used to position extruder plungers, then the plungers can reach the bottom openings, but the arms are subject to high bending torques and it is difficult to control drop weight variation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the drive mechanisms in a compact arrangement above the tank, allowing the use of shorter support arms. By changing the spatial arrangement of components, the system achieves the necessary reach to bottom openings while minimizing arm length, thereby reducing bending torques and improving drop weight control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces guide-slides as intermediary elements between the support arms and the extruder plungers. These guide-slides provide precise positioning and support, allowing shorter arms to effectively reach the bottom openings while maintaining control accuracy and reducing the impact of bending torques.
4Speed
If compact drive mechanism with guide-slide system is used, then inertia is reduced and response time is improved, but the complexity of the displacement control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical displacement control mechanisms with a more compact drive system that uses guide-slides and direct motorized actuation. This substitution reduces the mass and inertia of the moving parts, improving response time while maintaining control capability through a streamlined mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the drive system by using compact, low-mass components with guide-slide mechanisms. This parameter change reduces inertia and improves response time, while the control complexity is managed through electronic control of the motorized devices rather than complex mechanical linkages.
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 solution simplifies and economizes the plunger assembly, allowing for precise control of drop weight and shape, reduces inertia, and enhances dynamic behavior, enabling the formation of consistent and varied glass articles with improved flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism (33) positioned above the tank (65) and configured to drive each extruder plunger (30) along its corresponding axis (27) of alternated cyclic motion
Data Source
AI summary
In a plunger assembly for forming ribbons of molten glass, at least one extruder plunger is guided in a vertical direction from and towards a tank adapted to contain a mass of molten glass from a guide head carried by a support arm kept fixed during the forming of the bead. The extruder plunger is displaced by alternated cyclic motion with respect to the support arm according a predefined law of motion from one drive unit displaced above the support arm and at least partly above the tank.