Automated Structural Glazing Tape Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The structural glazing process, which involves fixing glass and frames using high adhesion double-sided tape, lacks automation, resulting in inefficiencies such as manual labor, high energy consumption, and reduced productivity, with no existing devices effectively addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A computerized numeric platform device that applies and cuts high adhesion double-sided tape with precise x, y, and z coordinates, featuring a combination of mechanical and pneumatic components to automate the tape application and cutting, ensuring accurate positioning and pressure distribution for efficient fusion between the frame, tape, and glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual process is used for tape application and cutting, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies tape automatically using rollers that feed and position the tape without human intervention. The system serves itself by integrating tape application, positioning, and cutting functions into a single automated unit that operates independently once initiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into one system: tape application, precise positioning using coordinate data, cutting at specific locations, and pressure application for bonding. This multi-functional approach increases productivity while managing complexity through integration.
2Productivity
If automated device is introduced for tape application and cutting, then productivity increases and labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tape application, positioning, and cutting functions into a single integrated device. The coordinator unit combines coordinate data reception, roller control, and cutting mechanism activation, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system controlled by coordinate data. The coordinator unit uses electronic signaling to control rollers and cutting mechanisms, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electro-mechanical systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise coordinate-based tape application is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinator unit receives coordinate data specifying exact positions for tape application and cutting. This feedback mechanism ensures precise positioning by using numerical coordinates to control the rollers and cutting mechanism, achieving high manufacturing precision through data-driven control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses dynamic positioning where the rollers and cutting mechanism move to specific locations based on received coordinate data. This dynamic adjustment allows precise tape application and cutting at variable positions without requiring complex fixed positioning mechanisms.
4Reliability
If pressure application is automated with coordinate control, then bonding quality is improved and energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies pressure at specific locations and for specific durations based on pre-determined coordinate data and bonding requirements. This preliminary planning of pressure application parameters ensures consistent bonding quality while reducing energy consumption by applying pressure only where and when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure application mechanism targets specific local areas where tape bonding is required, rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire surface. This localized approach improves bonding quality at critical joints while reducing overall energy consumption.
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 automates the structural glazing process, reducing manual labor, energy consumption, and increasing productivity while ensuring safety and quality by accurately applying and cutting the tape, thereby enhancing the structural glazing process with modernization.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber roller, which will be leaned to a surface
Implementation Method 2
air gripper 1 (17); air gripper 2 (18); air system part 1 (29); air system part 2 (30); air system part 3 (31)
Data Source
AI summary
Refers to the present invention, a device (1) that will be fabricated with appropriate material, with several dimensions, to be adapted to a computerized numeric platform, for the structural glazing process, which is a technique of fixing the glass and the frame, through application of the high adhesion double-sided tape between them, the structure remains hidden on the inner side, in two basic steps, one being application and cutting of the high adhesion double-sided tape over the glass sheet, and the other is (applying) correct pressure on them, for the purpose of replacing the current manual process.