VIG Spacer Dispenser Jamming Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacer dispensing solutions for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units are mechanically complex, prone to inaccurate spacer placement, less reliable, and space-consuming, which can lead to jamming issues and increased risk of manufacturing defects.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing VIG units that involves a dispenser system with a housing containing a guidance space, a collection member, and a driver for relative movement, equipped with sensors for detecting jamming situations and a controller for initiating anti-jamming operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vibration arrangement is used to line up and convey spacers, then spacer dispensing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration function from a complex mechanical vibration arrangement and replaces it with a simplified spacer collection mechanism that uses gravity and controlled movement to achieve reliable spacer dispensing without requiring vibration components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical vibration systems with a controlled mechanical movement system where the collection member moves in a defined path to collect and deliver spacers, eliminating the need for vibration arrangements while maintaining reliability
2Productivity
If a radial drum solution is used to collect and deliver spacers, then dispensing speed is improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spacer dispensing function into distinct phases (collection phase and delivery phase) performed by a single collection member, eliminating the need for complex radial drum mechanisms while maintaining high dispensing speed through optimized movement paths
Solution Approach 2:
The collection member serves multiple functions: it collects spacers from the storage compartment, transports them through the guidance space, and delivers them to the dispensing location, replacing the need for separate radial drum components and reducing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If spacers are stacked in a magazine and pushed horizontally, then dispensing reliability is improved, but device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal spacer storage and movement to a vertical/dimensional approach where spacers are collected and delivered through a guidance space, reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining reliable dispensing through controlled gravitational flow and precise positioning
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a vacuum insulating glass unit (1), the method comprises providing a first glass sheet (3) and dispensing a plurality of spacers (2) comprising predefined, pre-shaped contact surfaces (2a, 2b) on a major surface (3a) of the provided first glass sheet (3) by means of at least one dispenser (10) of a spacer dispensing system (200). The method further comprises providing a second glass sheet (4), sealing together the first glass sheet (3) and the provided second (4) glass sheet at the periphery of the glass sheets (3, 4) with the plurality of dispensed spacers (2) arranged between major surfaces (3a, 4a) of the glass sheets so that a gap (5) is provided between the first and second glass sheets (3, 4), and evacuating the gap (5). The dispenser (10) comprises a housing (12) comprising a guidance space (13) placed between a first housing surface (17a) and a second housing surface (17b) of the housing (12). The dispenser moreover comprises a spacer outlet (16) and a collection member (15) for collecting a spacer from a spacer storage compartment (11). The collection member (15) is arranged in the guidance space (13). The dispensing of spacers (2) comprises providing a first relative movement between the collection member (15) and the housing (12) by means of a driver (18) in a first driving direction so that the collection member collects a spacer (2) from the spacer storage compartment (11), and providing a further, relative movement between the collection member (15) and the housing (12) by means of the driver (18) so that the collected spacer enters the guidance space (13) and is delivered to the spacer outlet (16). Detection (TE343) of a jamming situation is provided during said first and/or further relative movement. A controller (91) provides one or more anti-jamming operations (AJO) when predetermined criteria (THR1) is complied with.