Rotating Arm Glass Support for Shape Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for shaped glass require multiple CNC machined fixtures for each design, leading to high costs, time consumption, and risk of glass damage due to multiple contact points, which can cause distortion and are not adaptable to different glass shapes.
Innovation Solution
A support system with two support assemblies, each comprising a base and an arm assembly that can rotate about a pivot axis, allowing for point contact and accommodating various glass shapes through rotational degrees of freedom, enabling the use of non-contact distance sensors for precise shape measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple contact points are used to support the shaped sheet of glass, then the glass sheet is adequately supported, but the possibility of damage increases and the shape may be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical support with a non-contact optical measurement system. A laser scanner or camera captures the 3D shape of the glass sheet while it rests on minimal support points, eliminating the need for multiple contact probes that cause damage and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement approach from contact-based physical probing to non-contact optical scanning. This parameter change allows measurement without mechanical interaction, thus preventing glass damage while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a new CNC machined fixture is created for each glass design, then precise measurement is achieved, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal non-contact measurement system that can measure different glass sheet designs without requiring design-specific fixtures. The laser scanner or camera system adapts to various shapes and sizes through software processing, eliminating the need for multiple physical fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses optical copying techniques where the 3D shape is captured as digital data rather than requiring physical replication of the ideal shape through fixtures. The measured data is then compared to the target design digitally, replacing physical fixture-based measurement.
3Measurement precision
If contact probes are used to measure shape differences, then the shape can be measured, but the glass sheet is at risk of damage and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact probes with non-contact optical measurement devices such as laser scanners or cameras. These devices capture the 3D geometry of the glass sheet without physical contact, eliminating the risk of damage while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces light as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the glass sheet. Instead of direct mechanical contact, optical fields carry measurement information, allowing precise shape capture without physical interaction that could damage the glass.
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 support system reduces the need for multiple fixtures, minimizes glass damage, and allows for rapid shape measurement by stabilizing the glass and reducing vibrations, thus improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first arm assembly being coupled to the first base by a first coupling for rotation about a first pivot axis, the first coupling being between the first and second ends of the first arm; further wherein the second support assembly comprises a second base and a second arm assembly... the second arm assembly being coupled to the second base by a second coupling for rotation about a second pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
there being at least a first contact surface at each of the first and second ends of the first arm for contacting a first major surface of the sheet of glass when the sheet of glass is supported on the support
Data Source
AI summary
A support for a sheet of glass is disclosed. The support comprises first and second support assemblies each comprising a respective base and arm assembly. Each arm assembly comprises a respective first arm having first and second ends and a first contact surface at each end thereof for contacting a first major surface of the sheet of glass when the sheet of glass is supported on the support. Each arm assembly is coupled to the respective base by a respective coupling for rotation about a pivot axis. Any of the first contact surfaces may be provided by a ball castor or wheel. The support is useful when supporting the glass sheet wherein a measurement of the shape thereof is required because the support is able to quickly reach an equilibrium configuration. A method of supporting a glass sheet using the support is also disclosed.