Asymmetric Vacuum Cup Geometry for Thin Glass Corner Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supporting thin glass sheets during edge grinding is difficult, especially for large area thin glass sheets, as conventional vacuum cups provide inadequate support, particularly in edge and corner regions.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cup with an elongate cavity having a non-symmetrical periphery, featuring a major axis longer than the minor axis, and a central portion with non-parallel sides, providing enhanced support to edge and corner regions of glass sheets during grinding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circular or oval vacuum cups are used, then the vacuum cup structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the support to edge and corner regions of thin glass sheets is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cup employs an asymmetrical elongate cavity design where the periphery features a first end portion that is larger than the second end portion, with non-parallel sides in the central portion. This asymmetrical configuration creates enhanced support specifically targeted at edge and corner regions of the glass sheet, directly resolving the inadequacy of conventional symmetrical vacuum cups while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the periphery of the elongate cavity is made asymmetrical with non-parallel sides, then the support to edge regions is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cup design implements local quality by concentrating structural features specifically at the end portions and sides of the elongate cavity. The first end portion is made larger than the second end portion, and the central portion has non-parallel sides, creating localized variations in support capability. This allows precise control over support distribution to specific regions of the glass sheet without requiring complex features throughout the entire structure, thereby balancing manufacturing precision with ease of fabrication.
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 vacuum cup design offers improved support for edge and corner regions of thin glass sheets, facilitating effective edge grinding and reducing the risk of deformation during processing.
Implementation Method 1
when the chamber is formed with the glass sheet and a low-pressure source is connected to the opening in the body portion, the contact surface forms a seal with the glass sheet to attach the vacuum cup to the glass sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum cup is described comprising a body portion having an elongate cavity and a contact surface for contacting a glass sheet to form a chamber with the elongate cavity and the glass sheet. An opening in the body portion is in fluid communication with the elongate cavity for connection to a low-pressure source so that the contact surface can form a seal with the glass sheet to attach the vacuum cup to the glass sheet. The periphery of the elongate cavity has major and minor axes orthogonal to one another, the major axis being longer than the minor axis. The periphery of the elongate cavity has first and second end portions at respective ends of the major axis, the first end portion being larger than the second end portion. Methods of using such vacuum cups to support a glass sheet during processing are also described.