Vertical Glass Grinding Machine with Suction Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glass sheet grinding machines are expensive, occupy large spaces, and are inefficient in processing non-rectangular shapes, as they require manual positioning and can only work on one side at a time, failing to achieve the necessary precision for structural insulating glazing applications.
Innovation Solution
An automatic machine that grinds the perimeter of glass sheets in a single operation with a vertical arrangement, using a workhead with adjustable cutting motion and suckers to support the glass sheet, allowing for full perimeter grinding without resting on a conveyor, thus reducing operator intervention and increasing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning and one-sided grinding methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glass sheet support system is segmented into multiple suction cups that can independently position and hold different regions of the glass sheet. This segmentation enables precise positioning of the glass sheet during grinding operations, allowing high-precision grinding of all four sides without requiring complex manual positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine combines multiple grinding functions into a single integrated device. The workhead can grind all four sides of the glass sheet in one operation, merging what would traditionally require separate machines or manual repositioning into one automated system, thereby achieving high precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If traditional horizontal grinding machines are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and space utilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The machine transitions from traditional horizontal grinding to a vertical configuration. The glass sheet is held vertically by suction cups, and the workhead moves vertically to grind all four sides. This dimensional change increases productivity by enabling full-perimeter grinding in one operation while reducing the machine's horizontal footprint.
3Ease of operation
If automated suction cup positioning is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup system is designed to automatically position and secure the glass sheet without requiring external manual intervention. The automated positioning and grinding operations reduce operator involvement to simple loading and unloading tasks, improving ease of operation while the integrated design keeps control system complexity manageable.
4Productivity
If full perimeter grinding in single operation is achieved, then productivity improves, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glass sheet is preliminarily positioned and securely held by the suction cup system before grinding begins. This preliminary secure positioning ensures that the glass sheet remains stable throughout the full-perimeter grinding operation, maintaining dimensional accuracy while enabling high-speed automated processing of all four sides in one operation.
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 machine provides a cost-effective, high-precision grinding solution for glass sheets of any shape, enhancing productivity and reducing production time while maintaining the modularity and verticality of the production line, capable of handling diverse glass sheet dimensions and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the glass sheet is not resting at its edge but is retained on its face
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An automatic machine and an automatic method for grinding the perimetric edge of glass sheets (1) arranged substantially vertically, comprising at least one conveyor (3a, 3b) and at least one workhead provided with an abrasive tool (501) for grinding the glass sheet (1) at its edge, following its perimetric profile by way of the relative action of movement of the glass sheet (1) and movement of the at least one workhead. During grinding, the glass sheet (1) is no longer supported and moved by the conveyor (3a, 3b) but by at least one carriage (401), to which the glass sheet (1) is coupled by way of at least one sucker (404).