Glazing Assembly

Abstract

A glazing assembly is disclosed, the assembly comprising first and second toughened glass members. Each member comprises a sheet with first and second flanges projecting from opposite ends of the sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet, and the first and second flanges of the first member are joined respectively to the first and second flanges of the second member by first and second connector portions such that the first and second flanges of the first member are substantially coplanar with the first and second flanges of the second member, respectively. A modular glazing array is also disclosed. The array comprises a plurality of glazing assemblies arranged side by side, such that at least one pair of joined, coplanar flanges of each of the plurality of glazing assemblies faces a pair of joined, coplanar flanges of another of the plurality of glazing assemblies.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a glazing assembly comprising first and second toughened glass members. In particular, the invention relates to an assembly wherein first and second toughened glass members are joined together such that the structural performance of the assembly is improved.[0002]BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0003]U-channel cast glass is a low-cost cladding material which has been available on the market for over four decades. These U-channels comprise a strip of glass bent or moulded in a U-shape, typically using a machine rolling process, and generally come in a set number of profiles and widths which are broadly homogenous across manufacturers worldwide. Widths available are generally circa 232 mm, 262 mm and 330 mm. As a general principle, the wider the U-channel, that is the greater the distance across the central sheet or between the return flanges, the less vertical distance it can span. Furthermore, wider U-channels generally require...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a special insulating material made of glass fibre that is used in building panels. This material has high thermal insulation and a strong light-scattering effect, while minimizing the loss of transmitted light. The material is held under slight compression to ensure full occupancy of the assembly volume. The assembly can also contain other materials with insulating or light-diffusing properties. The assembly has a grooved surface profile that acts as a self-cleaning solution, removing dirt and other materials. Additionally, the outer surface of the assembly has a rough profile with deviations in the direction of the normal vector that scatter light passing through. This makes the assembly invisible from outside.

Problems solved by technology

However, these early examples failed to account for glass having virtually no dielectric property, and in such arrangements, the single outer window will quickly reach the same temperature as the outside.

However, cost starts rising dramatically.

This, coupled with access between the panes being limited, further complicates the façade construction and begins to reduce the useable floor area of the building.

But the cost of production, and the weight of the unit, which typically includes 12 mm glass+16mm air+6 mm glass+16 mm air+6 mm glass precludes much use of it.

And ultimately with all insulated glazing units (IGUs) the boundary seals fail over time.

Additionally, current manual techniques for installing U-channels in these arrangements, and the amount of on-site assembly and sealing that is required, make the system susceptible to contamination by construction site materials and insects.

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