Methods and apparatus for managing stress in glass ribbons

摘要

A device for engaging and tensioning a glass ribbon includes a center frame member, and first and second outer frame members connected thereto. The first outer frame member includes a suction cup that engages an edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the suction cup of the first outer frame member. The second outer frame member includes a suction cup that engages an opposite edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the suction cup of the second outer frame member. The actuators of the first and second outer frame members moves the suction cups of the respective frame members in directions away from each other.

主权项

1. A method for engaging and tensioning a glass ribbon, the method comprising:
engaging the glass ribbon using an end effector of a robot tooling, the end effector comprising:
a center frame member;a first outer frame member connected to the center frame member, the first outer frame member including at least a first suction cup engaging an edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the at least first suction cup of the first outer frame member; anda second outer frame member connected to the center frame member, the second outer frame member including at least a second suction cup engaging an opposite edge area of the glass ribbon and an actuator for moving the at least second suction cup of the second outer frame member; applying a first tensioning force to the glass ribbon at the at least first suction cup of the first outer frame member by actuating the actuator of the first outer frame member; and applying a second tensioning force to the glass ribbon at the at least second suction cup of the second outer frame member by actuating the actuator of the second outer frame member.