Flexible Spacer Application Support for Thin Insulating Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines face challenges in applying flexible spacers to thin glass plates due to excessive bending stresses, compromising adhesion and strength, especially in automated manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a contrasting device and a movable contrasting element that minimizes bending stresses by allowing the translator to pass without interference during spacer application, using a combination of actuators and a process support to maintain glass stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated spacer application is used, then manufacturing precision and productivity are improved, but bending stresses on thin glass plates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process support is made movable along the glass plate in the first direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to provide support exactly where needed during spacer application, minimizing bending stresses on thin glass while maintaining application precision
Solution Approach 2:
The process support acts as an intermediary element between the translator and the glass plate, providing localized support to reduce bending stresses during the spacer application process, thereby protecting the thin glass from excessive stress while enabling precise automated application
2Weight of moving object
If thin glass plates are used, then weight is reduced, but resistance to bending stresses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The process support is positioned in advance along the path of the translator to provide preemptive support to the thin glass plate before the applicator exerts force, preventing excessive bending stresses while allowing the use of lightweight thin glass
Solution Approach 2:
The movable process support dynamically tracks the translator's position, providing continuous, adaptive support to thin glass plates throughout the spacer application process, enabling weight reduction without compromising structural integrity during manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If translator passes through process support zone, then application coverage is improved, but bending stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process support moves along with the translator in synchronization, ensuring that support is continuously available in the translator's path without creating excessive bending stresses, thereby maintaining full application coverage while protecting the glass
Solution Approach 2:
The process support serves as a movable intermediary that facilitates the translator's passage through the support zone by providing localized reinforcement exactly where and when needed, enabling complete coverage without excessive stress
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (2) for applying a flexible spacer to a glass plate (1) comprising an applicator (20) for flexible spacers, and a support backing (10) for the glass plate (1). The support backing (10) comprises a lateral support (102) and a translator (103). The lateral support (102) comprises an inlet support (1021), a process support (1022), and an outlet support (1023), wherein the process support (1022), arranged between inlet support (1022) and outlet support (1023) is adapted to contrast the action of the applicator (20) according to a direction (Z) substantially perpendicular to said lateral support (102). Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a translator (103) adapted to move along a direction (X). The apparatus comprises a contrasting device (106) comprising a contrasting element (1063) adapted to be moved between a support position, in which it forms a continuation of said process support (1022), and a retracted position, in which it is adapted to allow the passage of the translator (103).