A glazing unit with integrated electronics

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an integrated glazing unit (100) comprising a housing (120, 120'), held within one or more apertures (130, 140) present sequentially therebetween the panes (101,102), adapted to accommodate one or more electronic items (110) disposed therewith. Said one or more electronic items (110) are accessible via one or more openings (104, 105) on the housing (120, 120'). The housing comprises a first part (121, 121 ') having a first face (fl, fl 1) and a second face (f2, f22), a second part (122, 122') having a first face (fl', fl l') and a second face (f2', f22') and an encasement means (123, 123') adapted to removably receive the one or more electronic items (110) between said first part (121, 121') and the second part (122, 122'). The disclosed solution provides easy serviceability to the electronics integrated in the glazing as opposed to the prior art solutions.

Description

[0001] A GLAZING UNIT WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure broadly relates to construction solutions, it particularly relates to glazing in buildings. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a glazing unit having integrated electronics.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0006] Glazing is generally referred to as a transparent or translucent or opaque material used in windows, doors, skylights, and other building openings to allow light to enter while also providing thermal insulation, soundproofing, and visual transparency or privacy. Typical glazing materials include glass, plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, and composite materials, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. Glazing unit may be single, double, or triple-pane, and / or may be coated with different films or coatings to improve their functionalities such as energy efficiency, reduction in glare, or enhancing security. Some of the common types of glazing that are used in architectural applications include clear and tinted float glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass among other variety of coated glasses. A facade is generally referred to the front part or exterior of a building.

[0007] For integrated glazing units (double, triple or quadruple glazing units) multiple panes of glass are held together with air (or gases) spaces in between to improve its insulating functionality. FIG. 1 refers to a partial cross-sectional view of a double glazing unit and a tripe glazing unit depicting the arrangement of the panes, the spacer, and the sealant in a frame. Further known in the art are glazing solutions involving active glazing and smart glazing.

[0008] One such reference may be obtained from IN201641029682 that discloses a solution having a device for enabling firefighting comprising a smart emergency exit window and a smart controller. It discloses about a frame comprising of a processing unit, a driver, a wireless communication protocol, a sensor and at least a power source. The smart controller is placed remotely and communicates with the smart emergency exit window and a central station. The disclosed solution in the referred document identifies activated smart emergency exit windows during fire breakout. The electronic components in this solution are disposed on the frame and cannot be accessible via the glass panes.

[0009] Another reference is made to US8376567B1 that discloses a solution that helps evacuees exit a residential structure in the event of an emergency such as a fire, earthquake, security breach or the like, by providing emergency illumination around the periphery of an exit door and / or an alternative safe exit portal together with floor / ground level illumination along the path to the portal, and by providing an audible tone or voice recording to guide occupants to the exit portal. Here also the electronic items are disposed on the frame. For solutions such as this and the previous one where the electronics components are disposed on the frame, there are issues of serviceability. This implies that when the components fail it involves a lot of hassle to remove and repair or even check them from the frames.

[0010] Yet another reference is made to a proprietary Ublo system that offers natural ventilation of offices, shops and living spaces by integrate directly into an insulating glass of facades (or windows). It has a round ventilation module providing efficient air circulation. Such system also ensures numerous benefits in terms of air quality monitoring and comfort. Similarly, Ublo opening are known on glazing that avoids potential fall hazards and allows users to ventilate comfortably even on upper floors. However, such solutions provide air ventilation and do not talk about integrating any electronics therein.

[0011] In regard of the prior art known hitherto, there exists a dire need of a solution for integrating electronics in glazing with the provision of easy serviceability.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a solution for overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a glazing unit with integrated electronics featuring easy serviceability of the electronics.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a housing for integrating electronics therein.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a connected glazing unit capable of different applications.

[0017] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by the following aspects of the invention. The following disclosure presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This presents some concept of the invention in a simplified form to a more detailed description of the invention presented later. It is a comprehensive summary of the disclosure and it is not an extensive overview of the present invention. The intent of this summary is to provide a fundamental understanding of some of the aspects of the present invention.

[0018] In an aspect of the present invention is provided an integrated glazing unit comprising at least a first pane and a second pane spaced apart by a spacer and held together by sealant. Herein, said spacer and sealant are disposed along the periphery of the panes. The glazing unit further comprises a housing, held within one or more apertures present therebetween the panes, adapted to accommodate one or more electronic items disposed therewith. The one or more electronic items are accessible via one or more openings on the housing. The housing comprises a first part and a second part configured to mechanically couple with each other to encase the one or more electronic items. The first part includes a first face and a second face, and the second part includes a first face and a second face. The first face of the first part and said first face of the second part are adapted to engage with the panes. Also, the second face of the first part and the second face of the second part are adapted to engage with each other. The second face of the first part comprises a concentric first area and a second area forming a mechanical coupling means to engage with the second part, wherein the dimensions of the first area is larger than the dimensions of the second area. The concentric first area and a second area are walls and the mechanical coupling means is a groove formed by said walls. The second face of the second part comprises a counter first area to engage with the mechanical coupling means of the first part. Said counter first area is a wall adapted to engage with the mechanical coupling means of the first part. The housing further comprises an encasement means adapted to removably receive the one or more electronic items to be held between first part and the second part. The encasement means is adapted to couple with the first part alone or, with both the first part and the second part for firm enclosure of the one or more electronic items in the encasement means. In this aspect, the first part comprises a first means for locking and the second part comprises a second means for locking such that said first means for locking and said second means for locking are configured to firmly hold the encasement means within the housing. Again, in some instances the first part comprises a first means for locking and the encasement means comprises a second means for locking such that said first means for locking and said second means for locking are configured to engage for firmly holding the encasement means within the housing. The dimensions of the one or more apertures on the panes are in line with the dimensions of the one or more openings and said one or more openings are on the first part and the second part. The housing is held on aperture in the panes using an adhesive. The first face of the first part and the first face of the second part comprise plurality of grooves for optimal application of the adhesive. The housing is hermetically sealed to the apertures in the panes. The housing includes a desiccator to absorb moisture for protecting the one or more electronic items. The one or more electronic items include wired or wireless modules and said electronic items include any of sensors, display units, switches, communication modules, or a combination thereof. The glazing unit further includes means to aesthetically accommodate one or more wires to the electronic items.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention is provided a housing for integrating one or more electronics items. Said housing comprises a first part having a first face and a second face. It further has a second part having a first face and a second face and an encasement means adapted to removably receive the one or more electronic items between said first part and the second part. The first part and the second part are configured to mechanically couple with each other to encase the one or more one or more electronic items. The first face of the first part and the first face of the second part are adapted be positioned towards the exterior of the housing and the second face of the first part and the second face of the second part are adapted to engage with each other. The second face of the first part comprises a concentric first area and a second area forming a mechanical coupling means to engage with the second part. The dimensions of the first area are larger than the dimensions of the second area. Said concentric first area and the second area are walls and the mechanical coupling means is a groove. The second face of the second part comprises a counter first area to engage with the mechanical coupling means of the first part. The counter first area may be a wall adapted to engage with the mechanical coupling means of the first part. The encasement means is adapted to couple with the first part alone alternatively, it may couple with both the first part and the second part for firm enclosure of the one or more electronic items. In some instances, the first part comprises a first means for locking and the second part comprises a second means for locking. In said instance, said first means for locking and said second means for locking are configured to firmly hold the encasement means within the housing. The first part comprises a first means for locking and the encasement means comprises a second means for locking. Said first means for locking and said second means for locking are configured to engage for firmly holding the encasement means within the housing. The dimensions of the one or more apertures are in line with the dimensions of the one or more openings and said one or more openings are on the first part and the second part. The one or more electronic items include wired or wireless modules; and said electronic items include any of sensors, display units, switches, communication modules, or a combination thereof. Said housing is integrated within a glazing unit.

[0020] In another aspect is disclosed a system for display of temperature in a glazing unit integrated with the housing configured to hold encase a temperature sensor for displaying the sensed temperature via the one or more opening. The disclosed solution enables active functionalities to glazing unit. This is achieved by integrating electronic assembly within the glazing. The solution involves easy serviceability to the electronic system.

[0021] The significant features of the present invention and the advantages of the same will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the annexed drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0022] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a glazing unit as generally known in the art.

[0024] FIGs. 2A (i)-(ii) illustrate respectively a side and an isometric view of a glazing unit with integrated electronics according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the glazing unit with integrated electronics according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view of a housing for integrating electronics according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view from one side of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3C illustrates another isometric view from another side of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3D illustrates an exploded view of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of a first part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of the first part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4C illustrates an isometric view of the first part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4D illustrates a front view of a second part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4E illustrates a back view of the second part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4F illustrates a side view of the second part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4G illustrates an isometric view of an encasement means of the housing for integrating electronics according to the first embodiment of the present invention

[0036] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of a housing for integrating electronics according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5B illustrates an isometric view from one side of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C illustrates another isometric view from another side of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5D illustrates an exploded view of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a first part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6B illustrates a back view of the first part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6C illustrates an isometric view of the first part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6D illustrates a front view of a second part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6E illustrates a back view of the second part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6F illustrates a side view of the second part of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 6G illustrates an isometric view of an encasement means of the housing for integrating electronics according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates the serviceability aspect according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a system having integrated electronics in a glazing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGs. 9A-9B illustrates the housing unit having integrated electronics to be used in a glazing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED INVENTION

[0050] The present disclosure is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. It would be appreciated by a skilled person that this description is to assist in the understanding of the invention, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0051] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings and the same are used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, the terms / phrases are to be read in the context of the disclosure and not in isolation. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0052] The one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a solution to enable active functionalities to an otherwise static glazing unit. The active functionalities referred herein are the additional functionalities that the glazing may offer, such as and not limited to display of room temperature, besides its besides its known functionalities like minimizing solar heat gain in buildings or reflection of solar radiation. Such use cases with glazing are achieved by having a sealed electronic assembly with easy serviceability provided within one or more apertures in the glazing unit. The easy serviceability will be achieved by providing a casing or a housing for the electronics which can be integrated inside a glazing unit such as a window, facade and the like.

[0053] The electronic items are disposed in a unique housing configured to be integrated into the glazing unit. The housing with the electronics integrated therewith is sealed in an aperture on the glazing unit. In an implementation, the housing with the electronics items may be hermetically sealed in the aperture on the glazing. Such a solution may be used for various applications such as monitoring environmental parameters (like temperature, air humidity and the like) through the glazing system with information and details such as room temperature obtained via temperature sensor, communication signal boosting and the like which may be displayed to a user. With the disclosed solution, it is easier to repair or replace the electronics integrated in a glazing unit without having to replace the entire glass for this system. This makes the system easily serviceable to the users. Additionally, the unique housing offers retrofitting into already installed glazing units as well. Said functionalities are achieved without any compromise on the aesthetics of the glazing.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present invention is provided a housing configured to integrate the electronics into a glazing unit. The housing as disclosed in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is circular in shape however, it can be any regular or irregular polygon shaped. The housing includes an encasement means such as detachable electronic cabinet which may be directly fitted into the assembly mechanism of the housing. This housing along with the electronic cabinet are sealed, and the electronics are functionally and safely integrated inside it. All these electronics such as said sensors may be hermetically sealed inside the housing for protection and since the solution provides accessibility to the electronics disposed therewithin, the same provides easy serviceability.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed an integrated glazing unit (100) as depicted in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A (i) discloses a front view of the glazing (100) as accessible by a user and FIG. 2A (ii) shows an isometric view of the glazing (100). Said glazing unit (100) comprises at least a first pane (101) and a second pane (102) spaced apart by a spacer (109) and held together by a sealant (108), wherein said spacer and sealant are disposed along the peripheral region of the panes (101, 102). The spacer (109) and sealant (108) may be used to hold the panes together as per any conventionally known ways. The glazing unit (100) may be double or a triple glazing unit or quadruple glazing unit. The glazing unit further includes a housing (120), which is held within each apertures (130, 140) therebetween the panes. Said one or more apertures (130, 140) are on the panes (101, 102). Said apertures (130, 140) may be through holes on the panes of the glazing. It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the aperture is dependent on where the electronic items have been integrated within the glazing. The position of integration may be anywhere on the panes of the glazing, however, not on the frame. Reference is made to FIG. 2B, that depicts an exploded diagram of the glazing (100), with apertures (130, 140) on the panes (101, 102) and the housing (120) disposed therebetween. Said housing (120) is adapted to accommodate one or more electronic items (110) therewith. The one or more electronic items (110) are accessible via one or more openings (104) on the housing (120). As an instance, the figures illustrate the integration of a temperature sensor within the glazing that shows the display of the temperature to the user.

[0056] Reference is made to FIGs. 3A-3D of the present invention that discloses the various views of the housing (120) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The housing (120) comprises a first part (121) and a second part (122) configured to mechanically couple with each other to encase the one or more electronic items (110). In said embodiment, the first part (121) includes a first face (fl) and a second face (f2). Similarly, the second part (122) includes a first face (fl ’) and a second face (f2’). Said first faces (fl, fl ’) are adapted to engage with the panes and the second faces (f2, f2’) are adapted to engage with each other. There are openings (104, 105) on the housing (120) that are adapted for the electronic items to be accessible for use. A further reference is made to FIGs. 4A-4C of the present invention that discloses the various views of the first part (121) of the housing (120) and reference is made to FIGs. 4D-4F that discloses the various views of the second part (122) of the housing (120) according to the present embodiment.

[0057] Reference is made to FIGs. 5A-5D of the present invention that discloses the various views of the housing (120’) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The housing (120’) comprises a first part (121 ’) and a second part (122’) configured to mechanically couple with each other to encase the one or more one or more electronic items (110). Like the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the first part (121’) includes a first face (fl 1) and a second face (f22). Similarly, the second part (122’) includes a first face (fl 1’) and a second face (f22’). Said first faces (fl, fl’) are adapted to engage with the panes and the second faces (f2, f2’) are adapted to engage with each other. In the embodiment, there is an opening (104) on the first part (121 ’) while there are no openings on the second part (122’). Reference is made to FIG. 5C, where the inner parts of the housing (120’) in closed state is not visible since there are no openings on the second part (122’). The electronic items (110) in the housing as per this embodiment can only be accessed via the opening (104). Reference is made to FIGs. 6A-6C of the present invention that discloses the various views of the first part (121’) of the housing (120’) and a further reference is made to FIGs. 6D-6F that discloses the various views of the second part (122’) of the housing (120’) as per this embodiment.

[0058] In the present invention, said openings (104, 105) may be through holes on the housing. In an implementation one such opening (104) may be provided on the first face (fl) of the first part (121) of the housing (120). The diameters of the first faces (fl, fl’) are more than the diameters of the one or more openings (104, 105) on the housing (120). FIG. 3B depicts the view of the housing (120) when viewed via the opening (104) while FIG. 3C depicts the view of the housing (120) when viewed via the opening (105) as per first embodiment. Similarly, FIG. 5B depicts the view of the housing (120’) when viewed via the opening (104) while FIG. 5C depicts the view of the housing (120’) when viewed through the other side that has no openings. Specifically, FIG. 5C shows the first face (fl 1’) of the second part (122’) that engages with the panes of the glazing.

[0059] Referring to the instance of integrating temperature sensors within the glazing, the temperature display was accessible to the users via the opening (104) while the rear end of the temperature sensor which may have wires are accessible via the opening (105) as per the first embodiment. A solar cell may be provided at the said opening (105). Alternatively, as per the second embodiment, the users can access the temperature sensor via the opening (104), while the wires may be aesthetically hidden since there are no openings on the second part (122’). This is advantageous for use cases where the glazing is provided in the interiors of a building.

[0060] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, the first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’) of the housing (120, 120’) includes mechanical coupling means for safely encasing the electronic items therewithin. In an implementation, the first part (121, 121 ’) of the housing (120, 120’) comprises a concentric first area (1211, 1211 ’) and a second area (1212, 1212’) forming a mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) to engage with the second part (122, 122’). In a preferred implementation, said concentric first area (1211, 1211 ’) and the second area (1212, 1212’) may be walls and the mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) is a groove formed by said walls. In this preferred implementation, the diameter of the first area (1211, 1211 ’) is larger than the diameter of the second area (1212, 1212’). The mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) may alternatively be screws, serrated ridges, means for spider coupling and like, however, not limited to this. Reference is made to FIGs. 4B and 6B that depicts a top view of said grooves and walls on the first part (121, 121’) of the housing (120, 120’) according to the first embodiment the second embodiment respectively. The dimensions of the first area (1211, 1211’) is larger than the dimensions of the second area (1212, 1212’).

[0061] Similarly, in an implementation of the present invention, the second part (122, 122’) comprises a counter coupling means (1221, 1221’) for mechanically coupling with the coupling means (1213, 1213’) of the first part (121, 121 ’). Said counter mechanical coupling means (1221, 1221’) may be threaded screws, ridges with or without serrations, projections and the like, however not limited to this. In a preferred implementation, said counter mechanical coupling means (1221, 1221’) may be formed as a wall structure. Said wall structure is adapted to mechanically engage with the grooves (1213, 1213’) of the first part (121, 121 ’) for ensuring firm encasement of the electronic items. The space in the coupling means (1213, 1213’) may advantageously be used to provide desiccator in that region. The desiccator helps in preventing moisture retention in the integrated glazing unit. As has been depicted in FIG.s 4A-4F and FIGs. 6A-6F, the first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’) are structurally adapted to house the encasement means (123, 123’) with the electronics. Said first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’) are so formed that they engage to completely close and form a protective housing for the electronic items therewithin as shown in FIGs. 3B and 3C (according to first embodiment) and FIGs. 5B and 5C (according to second embodiment).

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing (120, 120’) further comprises an encasement means (123, 123’) adapted to removably receive the one or more one or more electronic items (110) between the first part (121, 121’) and the second part ( 122, 122’). In an implementation, said encasement means (123, 123’) may be a circular cabinet detachably disposed between the first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’) of the housing (120, 120’) as shown in FIG. 4G (according to first embodiment) and in FIG. 6G (according to second embodiment). The circular cabinet may include an outer diameter (1231, 1231 ’) and an inner diameter (1221, 1221 ’). The encasement means (123, 123’) may be detachable cabinet that is adapted to hold electronic items such as and not limited to sensors. In a preferred implementation, it may be a round object with a diameter less than concentric first area (1211, 1211’) of the first part (121, 121 ’) so that it fits in between the first part (121, 121 ’) and the second part (122, 122’), as depicted in FIG. 4G. The encasement means (123, 123’) may be of any shape or form but of dimensions such to fit within the housing (120, 120’). The encasement means (123, 123’) may be suitably chosen depending upon the electronics to be integrated within.

[0063] Reference is made to FIG. 3D that depicts a locking mechanism associated with the housing means according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The locking mechanism may include means for restricting the movement of the encasement means (123) within housing (120) thereby ensuring its locking within the housing. In an implementation, the first part (121) comprises a first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and the second part (122) comprises a second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c). Said first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and said second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c) are configured to firmly hold the encasement means (123) within the housing (120). In an implementation, the first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) may be plurality of projections provided along the inner edges of the first face (fl) of the first part (121) to give a firm grip to the encasement means (123). Similarly, the second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c) may be plurality of projections provided along the inner edges of the second face (f2’) of the first part (121) to give a firm grip to the encasement means (123). Alternatively, first and second means for locking may be any suitable mechanical means for hard stop or to limit the movement of the encasement means (123) out of the housing (120) such as and not limited to pins, bars and the like. The first locking means (124a, 124b, 124c) and the second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c) are adapted to ensure that said detachable encasement means (123) is locked within the first part (121) and the second part (122). In an implementation, said locking mechanism is configured to function as snap fit or press fit. This advantageously facilitates in easy serviceability for the electronics unit (110), in the event of its failure.

[0064] Reference is made to FIG. 5D that depicts a locking mechanism associated with the housing (120’) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The first part (121’) comprises a first means for locking (124). The locking mechanism may include means for arresting the encasement means (123’) within housing (120’) thereby ensuring its locking within the housing. In a preferred implementation said first means for locking (124) may be an L-shaped slit along the inner region of the wall (1213’) facing the opening (104). Alternatively, it may be cuts, slits, or holes and the like, however not limited to these. The encasement means (123 ’) comprises a second locking means (125).

[0065] In a preferred implementation, said second locking means (125) may be a pin or a projection key provided on the outer region of the encasement means (123’). It may alternatively, be screws, plurality of projections and like, however not limited to these. Said first means for locking (124) and said second means for locking (125) are configured to firmly hold the encasement means (123’) within the housing (120’). The first locking means (124) and the second means for locking (125) are adapted to ensure that said detachable encasement means ( 123 ’ ) is locked within the first part (121’) and the second part (122’). In a preferred implementation, said locking mechanism may be configured to function as slide and lock, in which the encasement means (123’) having the second locking means (125) slides into the opening (104) along the guide of the first locking means (124), and the second locking means (125) thus engages with the first locking means (124) to firmly fit the encasement means (123 ’) within the first part (121’). This locking mechanism works as pin lock and unlock mechanism. The housing (120, 120’) is held on apertures (130, 140) in the panes (101, 102) using an adhesive. The first faces (fl, fl’) comprise plurality of grooves (1214, 1224) for optimal application of the adhesive as shown in FIGs. 4A and 4D. Similarly, the first faces (fl 1, fl l’) of the first part (121, 121’) of the housing (120’) according to second embodiment includes plurality of grooves (1214, 1224) for optimal application of the adhesive as shown in FIGs. 6A and 6D. According to the second embodiment, there are no openings on the second part (122’) of the housing (120’). Accordingly, second face (f22’) may be completely solid with grooves for optimal application of the adhesive. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (120, 120’) is hermetically sealed to the apertures (130, 140) in the panes.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aperture, the shape of the housing inclusive of the different faces of its parts and the encasement means (123) are preferably circular in shape. However, it would be appreciated by a skilled person that aperture, the house, and the encasement means can be of any shape based on the application and use case.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, if said housing is disposed on a facade having a double- glazing unit. The first face (fl , f 11 ) of the first part (121, 121’) is adapted to engage (or preferably adhere) with the pane of the facade facing the interior side while the second face (f2, f22) of the first part (121, 121 ’) is adapted to engage with the second part ( 122, 122’). Similarly, the first face (fl’, fl 1 ’) of the second part (122, 122’) is adapted to be held on to the pane of the facade facing the exterior side while the second face (f2’, f22’) of the second part (122, 122’) faces region between the panes in the facade. The opening (104) may be adapted to face the interior of the housing (120, 120’), thereby making the electronic item arranged in the housing to be accessible via said opening (104) to a user. For instance, if the electronic item provided therewithin is a display integrated temperature sensor. The display would be so disposed within the housing that a user can read the display via the opening (104).

[0068] In the above disclosed exemplary embodiment, in the event of functional failure of said display integrated temperature sensor, the serviceability of the same may be easily provided by accessing the same via said opening (104). Again, the opening (105) provided at the rear end of the housing (120) i.e., on the first face (fl’) of the second part (122) facilitates for the wires and other control components of the electronic item to be suitably disposed. The electronics part accessible through the opening (104) facing the interior of the glazing may function as a human interface and the other end with another opening (105) may advantageously be used to incorporate photovoltaic cell adapted to store the energy from the sun. This stored solar energy from said cell may further be used for operating the electronics. The faces of the first part (121) and the second (122) are circular in shape according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second part (122, 122’) is configured to function like a cap to the assembly of the housing (120, 120’), as depicted in FIG. 3D and FIG. 5D, after the desiccant is filled inside the first part (121, 121’) and encasement means (123, 123’) has been inserted. According to the first embodiment, the first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and the second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c) provided as projections along the inner edges of the first part (121) and the second part (122) respectively provide a firm grip to the encasement means (123). The grooves (1214, 1224) on both the first part (121) and the second part (122) are made to be filled with an adhesive as required to be held within the aperture (130, 140) of the panes. According to the second embodiment, the first locking means (124) and the second locking means (125) provided on the first part (121 ’) and on the second part (122’) hold the encasement means (123’) on the firmly within the housing (120’). The openings (104, 105) via which the electronic items are accessible may include cover to protect the electronics integrated in it. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the one or more apertures (130, 140) on the panes (101, 102) are in line with the dimensions of the one or more openings (104, 105). The position of the aperture and housing (120, 120’) is suitably chosen as per the application or use case intended.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present invention is provided an assembly of the integrated glazing unit with the housing (120 or 120’). The method or process of assembly includes cutting (SI) the panes of glass to make apertures. In a preferred embodiment said apertures may be circular. However, it would be appreciated by the skilled person that the shape, and alignment of the aperture, corresponds to the shape of the housing which corresponds to the use case. In an implementation, the dimensions of the apertures are compatible with the dimensions of the housing (120 or 120’) in which the diameter of the aperture or through holes on the panes is less than first face (fl or fl 1) of the housing (120 or 120’). In a preferred embodiment the dimension of the aperture is in line with the dimension of the openings (104, 105). The next step includes fixing(S2) the housing (120 or 120’) on the aperture (130, 140), along with the spacer (109). Said fixing of the housing (120, 120’) may include applying adhesives on the grooves of the housing and hermetically sealing the housing on the aperture of the panes. The further step includes applying (S3) sealant for integrating the panes to along with the spacer (109). The method further includes inserting (S4) a spacer and sealant in between the panes of glass to integrate the unit as an integrated glazing unit. The spacer integration and the sealant application may be performed as per the known convention means, such as hermetically sealing the panes. Further, to this the suitable electronic items may be integrated within the housing (120, 120’) on the glazing.

[0071] The disclosed invention can be used in a system for display for temperature in the glazing (100). The housing (120, 120’) in said glazing (100) is configured to hold a temperature sensor for displaying the sensed temperature via the one or more opening (104, 105). Once the electronics are embedded within the housing (120 or 120’), it can advantageously form a part of a suitable application and it may be connected with communication devices such as and not limited to WiFi, Bluetooth and the like. Furthermore, said connected integrated glazing unit may then be configured to a controller of a system to provide information directly to a user by connecting it to a terminal device such as and not limited to mobile or any other computing device.

[0072] Reference is made to FIG.7 that demonstrates an exploded view of the housing as per an embodiment of the present invention. This provides an instance to showcase the serviceability aspect of the present invention. In the figure demonstrated herein, the cap for the complete unit is held together with the spacer using Hex assemblies (701, 702). This advantageously helps in getting access to the electronics unit for serviceability.

[0073] In an exemplary instance of the present invention the housing (120, 120’) may accommodated with a humidity sensor, Wi-Fi booster, tactile sensor, indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, and communication module. It would be appreciated by one skilled in the art that said instances of electronic items are provided herein as a way of understanding and not as a way of limitation. With disclosed housing (120, 120’) and electronics integrated therein connected integrated glazing unit may advantageously be applicable for various use cases capable of detecting indoor and outdoor information. Such tracked information may be sent to a control system that receives the instructions, thereby making the integrated glazing unit a smart window, or facade. The sensor assembly that may be integrated with the glazing unit may be hermetically sealed if the sensors are to be placed as a part of the glazing unit, thereby ensuring no leaks due to the sensor system. The sensor may be inside the flexible and detachable cabinet thereby facilitating for trouble shooting and replacing faulty components, if any. In an implementation, this solution may be used to monitor environmental parameters through the glazing system information and details such as room temperature may be displayed to a user. The present invention provides opening in the glazing to access the electronics, and this aims at providing information to the user as well as functions as a user interface system for input to multiple sensors and different controls. With this solution, it is necessary to replace the entire glass of the glazing when an integrated electronic item fails to function. In an implementation of the present invention, suitable means such as and not limited to hex keys may be used to remove the electronic items from the glazing without the removal of the panes of the glazing. This thereby makes the system easily serviceable to the users. Besides, the present invention facilitates the integrated glazing unit to become a location to transmit information with the right electronics embedded as a part of it, thereby facilitating functionalities as connected facade. The glazing may include means to aesthetically accommodate one or more wires to the electronic items. This is achieved by using masks that cover the wires or routing the wire aesthetically in the frame.

[0074] Examples:

[0075] Example 1 : Reference is made to FIG. 8 that depicts a schematic diagram of a use case of the present invention. A glazing unit preferably a double-glazing unit is regarded here. Said glazing comprises two tempered glasses that may be maintained at 12 mm gap (provided as example, however the gap is not limited to 12mm) with a spacer in between and is hermetically sealed at the outer joints. The flexible and detachable encasement means (123, 123’) are designed to hold the electronic items intact inside the housing. The electronics unit could be dismounted for servicing using suitable means such as and not limited to hex keys. The encasement means (123, 123’) includes flexible edges to fix it inside the housing as press fit or snap fit or pin and lock. The electronics items such as the sensors (110a) may be embedded in the detachable sensor cabinet. Besides, the detachable sensor cabinet may include communication devices (110b) as well besides power systems. Said communication devices (110b) may be connected to central system having means for communication with said communication device (110b) of the glazing unit (100). The sensors such as and not limited to air humidity sensor, temperature sensor is accessible via openings on the housing. The communication devices (110b) may include transmitter or receiver, or both chosen as per the requirement. The data captured by said sensors may periodically be communicated to the central system in wired or wireless mode. The power to the electronic items in the glazing may be provided from a central system. The system integrated in the glazing may be connected to a terminal device having access to database. Said terminal device may be personal computers, tablet, or mobile device.

[0076] Example 2: In an implementation of the present invention, it may be used for a facade application with electronics with a display integrated to indicate air quality. The sensor unit for this particular case is integrated with the display unit which is housed within the assembly. In this implementation, the sensor unit maybe facing the outer surface of the facade or window. The sensor unit may include of air quality sensors which may be individual or a combination of PM2.5, CO, CO2, 03, SOx, NOx sensors. Additionally, provided in the housing is a display unit displays the overall air quality index and also displays the values of parameters as indexed to 100. Such an application would be useful to assess the air quality index that will help the user to take a decision on whether to open the window or not. Furthermore, in this application the electronics units may be configured to send a signal to an automated window unit to decide and open the window only when the external air conditions are better. The advantage of using this system is to be able to remove the electronics units and calibrate the sensors or to carry out any repair functions. FIG. 9A represents the isometric view of the housing with sensor on outside and FIG. 9B represents the side view of the same with display.

[0077] Example 3: In another exemplary interpretation of the present invention is provided an emergency light beacon application. In this particular application, the sensor unit houses light emitting diode, LED in both side and emits strobing lights in case of an emergency. The electronics unit integrated in housing unit of the facade has a battery which will power the communication and light units. In the event, that the battery power is low the unit will blink on this inside surface. Such an application provides the indication only to the residents inside the building.

[0078] Some advantages of the present invention are enlisted in the following:

[0079] • The present invention provides easy serviceability to the electronic systems integrated within a glazing unit.

[0080] • The disclosed solution provides the glazing to function as connected facade for various application such as Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) parameter tracking.

[0081] Features that are described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and / or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0082] It would be appreciated by the skilled person that present invention includes various combinations of mechanical elements and features. It is understood that the invention may be practiced with various combinations of elements or features, and that such combinations are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

[0083] List of reference numerals appearing in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding features: 100: glazing unit

[0084] 120, 120': housing 101, 102: panes

[0085] 104, 105: openings on the housing 108: sealant 109: spacer 130, 140: aperture on panes 110: electronic items

[0086] 121, 121': first part

[0087] 122, 122': second part

[0088] 123, 123': encasement means fl, fl 1, f2, f22, fl', fl 1', f2', £22': faces of first part and second part

[0089] 1211, 1211’: first concentric area

[0090] 1212, 1212': second concentric area

[0091] 1213, 1213': coupling means

[0092] 1221 : counter coupling means

[0093] 1214, 1224: grooves for adhesive application 1231, 1231’: outer diameter of encasement means

[0094] 1221, 1221’: inner diameter of encasement means

[0095] 124a, 124b, 124c: first locking means for a first embodiment

[0096] 125a, 125b, 125c: second locking means for a first embodiment 124: first locking means for a second embodiment

[0097] 125: second locking means for a second embodiment

[0098] SI, S2, S3, S4: steps involved in assembly of the glazing

[0099] 110a: sensor

[0100] 110b: communication device 701, 702: Hex assemblies

Claims

CLAIMS1. An integrated glazing unit (100) comprising: at least a first pane (101) and a second pane ( 102) spaced apart by a spacer (103) and held together by sealant (104), wherein said spacer (103) and sealant (104) are disposed along the periphery of the panes (101,102); a housing (120, 120’), held within one or more apertures (130, 140) present therebetween the panes (101,102), adapted to accommodate one or more electronic items (110) disposed therewith; wherein said one or more electronic items (110) are accessible via one or more openings (104, 105) on the housing (120, 120’).

2. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (120, 120’) comprises a first part (121, 121’) and a second part (122, 122’) configured to mechanically couple with each other to encase the one or more electronic items (HO).

3. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (121, 121’) includes a first face (fl, fl 1) and a second face (f2, f22) and the second part (122, 122’) includes a first face (fl’, fl 1’) and a second face (f2’, f22’); wherein said first face (fl, fl 1) of the first part (121, 121 ’) and said first face (fl’, fl l ’) of the second part (122, 122’) are adapted to engage with the panes (101,102), and the second face (f2, f22) of the first part (121, 121 ’) and the second face (f2’, f22’) of the second part (122, 122’) are adapted to engage with each other.

4. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second face (f2, f22) of the first part (121, 121 ’) comprises a concentric first area (1211, 1211’) and a second area (1212, 1212’) forming a mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) to26engage with the second part (122, 122’), wherein the dimensions of the first area (1211, 1211 ’) is larger than the dimensions of the second area (1212, 1212’).

5. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said concentric first area (1211, 1211’) and a second area (1212, 1212’) are walls and the mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) is a groove formed by said walls.

6. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second face (fl’, fl l ’) of the second part (122, 122’) comprises a counter first area (1221, 1221’) to engage with the mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) of the first part (121, 121’).

7. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (120, 120’) further comprises an encasement means (123, 123’) adapted to removably receive the one or more electronic items (110) to be held between first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’).

8. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the encasement means (123, 123’) is adapted to couple with the first part (121, 121 ’) alone or, with both the first part (121, 121 ’) and the second part (122, 122’) for firm enclosure of the one or more electronic items (110) in the encasement means (123, 123’).

9. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first part (121) comprises a first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and the second part (122) comprises a second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c), wherein said first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and said second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c) are configured to firmly hold the encasement means (123) within the housing (120).

10. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first part (121’) comprises a first means for locking (124) and the encasement means (123’) comprises a second means for locking (125), wherein said first means for locking (124) and said second means for locking (125) are configured to engage for firmly holding the encasement means (123’) within the housing (120’).

11. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions of the one or more apertures (130, 140) on the panes (101, 102) are in line with the dimensions of the one or more openings (104, 105); and wherein said one or more openings (104, 105) are on the first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122).

12. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (120, 120’) is held on aperture (130, 140) in the panes (101, 102) using an adhesive.

13. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first face (fl , f 11 ) of the first part (121, 121’) and the first face (f 1 ’ , f 11 ’ ) of the second part ( 122, 122’) comprise plurality of grooves (1213) for optimal application of the adhesive.

14. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the housing (120, 120’) is hermetically sealed to the apertures (130, 140) in the panes (102, 103).

15. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (120, 120’) includes a desiccator to absorb moisture for protecting the one or more electronic items (110).

16. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the one or more electronic items (110) include wired or wireless modules; and said electronic items (110) include any of sensors, display units, switches, communication modules, or a combination thereof.

17. The integrated glazing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises means to aesthetically accommodate one or more wires to the electronic items (110).

18. A housing (120, 120’) for integrating one or more electronics items (110) comprising: a first part (121, 121’) having a first face (fl, fl 1) and a second face (f2, f22); a second part (122, 122’) having a first face (fl’, fl 1 ’) and a second face (f2’, f22’); and an encasement means (123, 123 ’) adapted to removably receive the one or more electronic items (110) between said first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’); wherein said first part (121, 121 ’) and the second part (122, 122’) are configured to mechanically couple with each other to encase the one or more one or more electronic items (110).

19. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first face (fl, fl 1) of the first part (121, 121 ’) and the first face (f 1’ , f 11’ ) of the second part (122, 122’) are adapted to be positioned towards the exterior of the housing (120, 120’); and the second face (f2, f22) of the first part (121, 121 ’) and the second face (f2’, f22’) of the second part (122, 122’) are adapted to engage with each other.

20. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second face (f2, f22) of the first part (121, 121’) comprises a concentric first area (1211, 1211’) and a29second area (1212, 1212’) forming a mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) to engage with the second part (122, 122’); wherein the dimensions of the first area (1211, 1211’) is larger than the dimensions of the second area (1212, 1212’).

21. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said concentric first area (1211, 1211’) and the second area (1212, 1212’) are walls; and the mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) is a groove.

22. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second face (f2’, f22’) of the second part (122, 122’) comprises a counter first area (1221, 1221’) to engage with the mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) of the first part (121, 121’).

23. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said counter first area (1221, 1221’) is a wall adapted to engage with the mechanical coupling means (1213, 1213’) of the first part (121, 121’).

24. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the encasement means (123, 123’) is adapted to couple with the first part (121, 121’) alone or, with both the first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122, 122’), for firm enclosure of the one or more electronic items (110).

25. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first part (121, 121’) comprises a first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and the second part (122, 122’) comprises a second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c), wherein said first means for locking (124a, 124b, 124c) and said second means for locking (125a, 125b, 125c) are configured to firmly hold the encasement means (123) within the housing (120).

26. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first part (121’) comprises a first means for locking (124) and the encasement means (123’) comprises a second means for locking (125), wherein said first means for locking (124) and said second means for locking (125) are configured to engage for firmly holding the encasement means (123’) within the housing (120’).

27. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions of the one or more apertures (130, 140) are in line with the dimensions of the one or more openings (104, 105); and wherein said one or more openings (104, 105) are on the first part (121, 121’) and the second part (122).

28. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more electronic items (110) include wired or wireless modules; and said electronic items (110) include any of sensors, display units, switches, communication modules, or a combination thereof.

29. The housing (120, 120’) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing (120, 120’) is integrated within a glazing unit (100).

30. A system for display of temperature in a glazing unit (100) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 17, wherein the housing (120, 120’) is configured to encase a temperature sensor for displaying the sensed temperature via the one or more opening (104, 105).

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