An integrated glass unit (IGU) assembled in-SITU, a system and method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) assembled in in-situ manufacturing line it includes a frame set (201, 202) that facilitates a suitable mechanical architecture to achieve the realization of an IGU with in-situ assembly. The inner frame (201) has means to sandwich at least two panes of glasses (211a, 211b) on each of its sides and the outer frame (202) is adapted to cover the inner frame. The inner frame (201) comprises a leakproof means (204) for inlet and outlet of an electrolyte solution into a space (302) created by the panes placed parallel to each and the outer frame comprises (202) means for containing a whole active IGU architecture for encapsulation and framing. It provides a leakproof sealing assembly complete frame solution and liquid injection solution.

Description

[0001] AN INTEGRATED GLASS UNIT (IGU) ASSEMBLED IN-SITU, A SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an integrated glass unit, particularly, this disclosure relates to an integrated glass unit meant for assembly as electrochromic glazing and more particularly it relates to a smart glazing assembled in-situ, a system and a method thereof.

[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] Smart glazing is a type of glass that can change its optical properties in response to external stimuli, such as heat or electricity. It's also known as switchable glass, dynamic glass, or smart-tinting glass or electrochromic devices or glazing. Such dynamic smart glass, may be thermally insulated building windows, may have multipane glass units having a vacuum or containing a liquid in the cavity.

[0007] For integrated glass unit assembly essentially focusing on smart glazing, generally the encapsulation is done by the process of assembling the components of a commercial device, and the mounting materials, with such process steps performed individually. In devices containing a liquid or semi-solid electrolyte, the separation between the two electrodes may be maintained by introducing flat or spherical ‘spacers’, analogous to the minute spherical beads of constant diameter employed in fabricating an LCD, to maintain the precisely defined distance between the two parallel electrodes. Finally, the device must be sealed. Reference may be made to the fabrication of a robust, leakproof seal to encapsulate a smart device assembly designed to withstand hydrostatic pressures at the edges which is created by the liquid electrolyte on the spacer.

[0008] Reference is made to US2021372196A1 that discloses an insulating glazing unit being with a first glass pane and a second glass pane, an intermediate glass pane, a first spacer and a second spacer and a holder holding together the first glass pane, the second glass pane, the intermediate glass pane, the first spacer, and the second spacer. In the insulating glazing unit, a thickness of the intermediate glass pane is less than the first glass pane and the second glass pane, too and a composition of the intermediate glass pane is different from the first glass pane the second glass pane. This solution also includes the complexities of the glass assembly.

[0009] A further reference is made to US11761260B2 that discloses a window or door element includes a frame and an insulated glazing unit removably disposed in the frame, the insulated glazing unit including at least one first electrical connection pin and the frame including at least one second electrical connection pin, the at least one first electrical connection pin of the insulated glazing unit being in electrical contact with the at least one second electrical connection pin of the frame when the insulated glazing unit is inserted into the frame.

[0010] Yet another reference is made to DE10204174A1 that discloses an insulated glass unit consists of two glass panes, a thermoplastic spacer frame and a secondary sealing composition. The frame is formed in such a way that an undercut is produced between the frame and sealing composition is in the form of a stamp. It has been observed that all this prior art is directed towards leakproof sealing assembly and does not provide complete frame solution and liquid injection solution. Known in the art are solutions like diffusion bonding to make glass to glass, glass to metal bonds. The prior art solutions are also directed towards the fenestration assembly with opaque metal frame. There are no provisions for any kind of lighting such as edge lighting for instance. In the prior art having electrochromic window, the quasi-solid electrolyte is injected by keeping a sealing frame or spacer. This in turn will result in creation of air bubbles after assembly.

[0011] In view of the prior art discussed hitherto, it has been observed that there is a requirement of an integrated glass unit meant for application as smart glazing which can be assembled and encapsulated with the electrodes and electrolyte in-situ the manufacturing and not by way of separate processes.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

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

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an in-situ integrated glass unit for application as smart glazing.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic glazing without the need to drill holes for injection of liquids.

[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic glazing with improved R-performance. A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic glazing having a means for internal edge lighting.

[0017] In an aspect of the present invention is provided an Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) assembled in in-situ manufacturing line, the IGU comprises an inner frame of a first shape having means to sandwich at least two panes of glasses on each of its sides. It further includes an outer frame adapted to cover the inner frame. The inner frame comprises a leakproof means for inlet and outlet of an electrolyte solution into a space created by the panes placed parallel to each. The outer frame comprises means for containing a whole active IGU architecture for encapsulation and framing. The outer frame comprises a means for electrical wire inlet and outlet and said means being a cavity for wire inlet and outlet for active functioning of the system. The inner frame comprises a first pair of holding means and a second pair of holding means adapted to house panes of glasses. It has an electrolyte flow path for the inlet and outlet of electrolyte for active functioning of the IGU and said inner frame is further configured to function as a spacer. Each of the first pair of holding means and the second pair of holding means comprises a first projection and a second counter projection coupled to hold the pane of glass. Each of said first projection and second counter projection are extensions on either side on the periphery of the frame such that the first projection and second projection are provided on opposite peripheries of the inner frame. The leakproof means to pour and empty out electrolyte comprises the electrolyte path forming plurality of cavities structurally adapted for hassle free inlet and outlet of electrolyte solution into the IGU architecture. Each of the plurality of cavities is provided with a shape tapering down towards the space of the IGU architecture, and said space being created by the panes of glasses facilitating cavitation free pouring of the electrolyte. The inner frame comprises a means for sealing the leakproof means for inlet and outlet, and said means being configured to receive a cap for sealing. The material of the inner frame is configured to function as an optical waveguide. There is an interface layer disposed within the inner frame for desirable total internal reflection, wherein said interface layer is chosen to align its refractive index with the refractive index of glass. The inner frame and the outer frame comprise grooves for airtight sealing of the IGU architecture. Said inner frame comprises a means on its edge to incorporate edge-light illumination of the IGU, said means being grooved rail. The outer frame comprises a single unit or a modular unit.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention is disclosed a system for in-situ manufacturing of an IGU. The system comprises a clamping means to hold the inner frame for placing and assembly of two panes of glass on either side of the inner frame forming a space of the IGU architecture. It has a fixing means for affixing the two panes of glasses on the inner frame with a sealant. The system further has an electrolyte filling station to fill the space of the IGU architecture with electrolyte via the leakproof means. Additionally, provided in the system is a sealing unit for affixing the cap on the leakproof means and an encapsulation unit for encapsulating the IGU architecture with the outer frame.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention is disclosed a method for in-situ manufacturing of an IGU. The method comprises placing and assembling, by a clamping means, two panes of glass on either sides of the inner frame to form a space of the IGU architecture. Further the method includes fixing, by a fixing means, the two panes of glasses on the inner frame with a sealant. The method then includes filing, by a filling station, the electrolyte into the space entrapped by said panes of glasses. Further provided in the method is affixing, by a sealing unit, cap on the leakproof means of the inner frame and encapsulating, by the encapsulating unit, the IGU architecture with the outer frame.

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated glass unit (IGU) assembly encapsulation. The conventional multi-pane glass especially electrochromic glazing containing cavity or any fluid in the gap between parallel glass is mainly assembled by several framing steps and using adhesives / sealants then later this fluid is filled through drilled holes and seal it after filling. Such conventional solution is inconvenient for encapsulation, essentially to assemble the double glazing or multipane system with a liquid filled in middle, in cavity contained frame assembly with fluid filling provisions. However, with the disclosed solution, a suitable mechanical architecture to achieve the realization of the said product mitigating the inconvenience. The disclosed solution advantageously reduces the lamination defects such bubbles between layers that interfere with the visual quality of the glass. The solution facilitates for injection of any liquid / electrolyte without drilling additional holes. The spacer system is a protrusion from frame -making it perfectly leakproof even in the corners. The R-value performance is enhanced by using an insulator material as frame and spacer. There are the provisions for internal lighting. There is proper inlet and outlet for liquid filling.

[0021] 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 intend of this summary is to provide a fundamental understanding of some of the aspects of the present invention.

[0022] 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.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 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.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an IGU according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an IGU in a perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3A illustrates the inner frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 3B illustrates the leakproof means on the inner frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the inner frame in a perspective view according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate detailed views of the edge section ‘A’ in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates the method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] 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.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 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 to assist the understanding of the invention, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The one or more embodiments of the present invention is directed towards an active integrated glass unit (IGU). In a preferred embodiment is includes a transparent frame design adapted to function as both spacer and a functional element. The frame rather the combination of frame setup as per this embodiment is configured to create and utilize the space or cavity formed by the placement of two panes of glasses on either side of a spacer. The combination of the frame set is so made that the cavity may then be filled up with any fluid. With optimized and suitable connections of wires, the entire unit may form an IGU architecture. The frame comprises cavities so positioned on sides and on its top to enable suitable filling and emptying of a solution. The active IGU disclosed herein is a smart electrochromic glazing as per a preferred embodiment of the invention. Reference is made to FIG. 1 that refers to IGU (100), preferably lateral view of an electrochromic glass as per an embodiment of the present invention. It includes a frame combination (101) configured to also function as a spacer, with two panes of glasses (104) disposed therewithin forming a cavity for the colloidal solution (102). It further has pairs of electrodes (103) disposed therein. It is the combination of frames or as they indicate the frames set-up (101) that facilitates for the in-situ manufacturing of the IGU as per this embodiment.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed an Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (200) assembled in-situ manufacturing line. FIG. 2 discloses a perspective view of the IGU as per an embodiment of the present invention. The IGU is an electrochromic glass or glazing as per the embodiment of the present invention. The IGU comprises an inner frame (201) of a first shape having means to sandwich at least two panes of glasses (211, 212) on each of its sides. Said shape is the regular rectangular shape of an IGU in an implementation. The IGU further includes an outer frame (202) adapted to cover the inner frame. The inner frame (201) comprises a leakproof means for inlet and outlet of an electrolyte solution into a space created by the panes. The outer frame (202) comprises means (201, 202) for containing a whole active IGU architecture for encapsulation and framing. Said means (201, 202), in an implementation, is the advantageous combination of frames and / or the frame setup. The outer frame (202) comprises a means (206) for electrical wire inlet and outlet. In an implementation, this means (206) is a cavity for wire inlet and outlet for active functioning of the system. It is further referred that insulating glass units, or IGU architecture commonly include two (sometimes more) panes of glass separated by a spacer material and sealed together at the edge. Electrochromic device / glazing unit is an IGU with a type of glass that can change its transparency or tint based on an applied voltage.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention is provided the inner frame (201) having a leakproof means (204) to pour and empty out electrolyte. In FIG. 3A is disclosed the inner frame (201) of the disclosed IGU. The leakproof means (204) comprises the electrolyte path (205) forming plurality of cavities (204a, 204b, 204c, 204d) structurally adapted for hassle free inlet and outlet of electrolyte solution into the IGU architecture. Each of the plurality of cavities (204a, 204b, 204c, 204d) is provided with a shape tapering down towards the space of the IGU architecture as shown in FIG. 3B. This space is created by the panes of glasses, facilitating cavitation free pouring of the electrolyte. The inner frame (201) comprises a means (304) for sealing the leakproof means (204) for inlet and outlet. Said means (304) is configured to receive a cap for sealing.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, further provided therein are areas to apply adhesives for securing the placement of the glass pane appropriately. The inner frame (201) further has a means on its edge to incorporate edge-light illumination of the IGU. As shown in the FIG. 3B, the plurality of cavities has a converging shape of the inlet / outlet cavity advantageously to increase the velocity of pouring electrolyte of the electrochromic unit. The shape of the cavity enables cavitation free pouring into the cavity for electrolyte created by the panes of glasses. In an implementation of the present invention, is provided a provision to seal / close (such as and not limited to a cap) the inlet of the electrolyte.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention is disclose the transparent inner frame (201) with the described shape as seen in FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment it has the shape that befits conventional rectangular IGUs. The inner frame (201) is configured to function to a spacer to sandwich the at least two panes of glazing on both of its faces. The inner frame (201) comprises a first pair of holding means (221a, 221b) and a second pair of holding means (221c, 221d) adapted to house panes of glasses. Each of the first pair of holding means (221a, 221b) and the second pair of holding means (221c, 22 Id) comprises a first projection (Pl) and a second counter projection (P2) coupled to hold the pane of glass. Each of said first projection and second counter projection are extensions (Pl, P2) on either side on the periphery of the frame such that the first projection and second projection are provided on opposite peripheries of the inner frame. A glass pane may be placed between said first projection (Pl) and second projection (P2). The inner frame (201) has locations applying adhesive for securing the glass on the inner frame (201). The so placement of the glass panes would create a space between the panes for filling of electrolyte of the electrochromic glass unit. The inner frame (201) has an electrolyte flow path (205) for the inlet and outlet of electrolyte for active functioning of the IGU as seen in FIG. 3B. The inner frame (201) and also the outer frame (202) may comprise grooves (303) for airtight sealing of the IGU.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention is provided provision to insert LED as a continuous strip on the three sides of the frame. The inner frame (201) further has one or more grooves on the faces of the spacer to apply / place seals / rubber casings to enable leak-proofing of the electrolyte solution. The cavity (304) of the inner frame (201) is adapted to facilitate the pouring in and emptying out of any electrolyte solution into the cavity created after placement and adhering of the glass panes. The converging shape of the inlet / outlet cavity increases the velocity of electrolyte. The shape of the cavity enables cavitation free pouring. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner frame (201) includes a means on its edge to incorporate edge-light illumination (301) of the IGU. Said means being grooved rail (301). Alternatively, there may be provided housing for the lighting unit such as and not limited to LED housing.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, is presented integrated glass unit (IGU) with the outer frame. The outer frame comprises a means for electrical wire inlet and outlet, said means being a cavity for wire inlet and outlet for active functioning of the system. In a preferred embodiment, the outer frame is an opaque frame to completely cover the inner frame. It may either be a single unit or a modular unit. An instance of single unit may include a single opaque frame while an instance of modular unit would include a frame where one or more of the edges may be removably assembled. The outer frame is adapted to be a means to block the light in the inner frame from being visible to the eye. The outer frame further has a means to take the wire out from the edge lighting (like an LED) in the inner frame. Said means being a cavity. The outer frame is adapted to incorporate an enclosure to the entire architecture of the IGU.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated Glass Unit (IGU) is operably coupled to function as an electrochromic device. Said IGU comprises one or more electrodes. Electrodes may be transparent conducting electrodes made of Silver, ITO, FTO or graphene and the like. The IGU further includes an electrolyte. Said electrolyte may be a liquid or gel containing ions for charge storage. The electrochromic glazing is configured to exhibit electrochromic functionality in different modes. The electrochromic glazing may be a double-glazing unit with the frameset, spacer and inlet for leakproof electrolyte injection. The glazing incorporates in-situ device encapsulation and framing.

[0043] The one or more embodiments of the disclosed invention describes a transparent frame design configured to be used as both spacer and a functional element. The frame setup is configured to create and utilize the cavity created by placing 2 glasses on either side of a spacer (inner frame). This cavity is then be filled up with any fluid. The frame includes cavities positioned on sides and top to enable filling and emptying of the solution. A smart electrochromic glazing is an instance of an IGU assembled via said solution. Electrochromic device has a sandwich structure, with electrolyte layer in the middle. In general, the two electrodes are sealed with the spacer and electrolyte is later injected through a pin hole. Then again seal the hole and solidify the electrolyte by some thermal treatment or UV treatment. The constructed frame with spacer may be used to make a cuvette kind of setup for electrochromic devices readymade windows. The cathode and anode may be bonded to two side of the spacer (inner frame), facing the coated face inward for both the electrode. A liquid electrolyte may be injected through the given inlet hole and equally spread to the entire cavity for ion shuttling towards the entire active area of electrochromic coated electrode. The frame with bonded transparent electrode may be transformed into an electrochromic device by refilling the space with electrolyte which may contain hydrogen, lithium, sodium or potassium ions. Even though liquid, gel and solid electrolyte may be used. It is generally more useful to have liquid electrolyte. It performs two important tasks inclusive of ion transport and electrochemical reactions.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, a single structured inner frame (201) thus comprises of all the above elements detailed above. FIG. 5A depicts the detailed view of the edge cross section (marked as ‘A’ in FIG. 2). In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner frame (201) may be transparent. The material of the inner frame is configured to function as an optical waveguide (513) as seen in FIG. 5B. It is adapted to function as a spacer itself acts as a waveguide, owing to its transparent nature. The inner frame may incorporate an interface layer (512). Said interface layer (512) may be disposed within the inner frame (201) for desirable total internal reflections (511). Said interface layer (512) is chosen to align its refractive index with the refractive index of Glass. The inner frame (201) adapted to function as a spacer itself acts as a waveguide due to total internal reflection between the faces of the frame and the adhesive or sealant or glazing surface as seen in FIG. 5B.

[0045] The discloses solution advantageously reduces the lamination defects such bubbles between layers that interfere with the visual quality of the glass. The solution facilitates for injection of any liquid / electrolyte without drilling additional holes. The spacer system is a protrusion from frame -making it perfectly leakproof even in the corners. The R-value performance is enhanced by using an insulator material as frame and spacer. There are the provisions for internal lighting. There is proper inlet and outlet for liquid filling. The various embodiments of the present invention provides a leakproof sealing assembly with complete frame solution and liquid injection solution. Unlike the prior art, it has provisions for lighting is included in the fenestration assembly. In an embodiment of the present invention is provided means for in-situ device encapsulation and framing of an integrated glass unit. The integrated glass unit may be an electrochromic glazing. In an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed a system for in-situ manufacturing of the IGU which is an electrochromic glazing. The system comprises a clamping means to hold the inner frame for placing and assembly of two panes of glass on either sides of the inner frame forming a space of the IGU architecture. It further has a fixing means for affixing the two panes of glasses on the inner frame with a sealant. Included further in the glazing unit is an electrolyte filling station to fill the space of the IGU architecture with electrolyte via the leakproof means. The system further has a sealing unit for affixing the cap on the leakproof means and an encapsulation unit for encapsulating the IGU architecture with the outer frame.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention is provided a method (800) for in-situ manufacturing of an IGU. Said IGU may be an electrochromic glazing unit. The disclosed method comprises placing and assembling (S801) of two panes of glass on either sides of the inner frame to form a space of the IGU architecture. Said steps are performed by a clamping means. The method further includes at step S802, fixing, by a fixing means, the two panes of glasses on the inner frame with a sealant. At step S803, the filling station performs filing the electrolyte into the space entrapped by said panes of glasses. At step S804, affixing by a sealing unit, cap on the leakproof means of the inner frame and at S805, the encapsulating unit performs encapsulation of the IGU architecture with the outer frame.

[0047] Industrial Applicability: The disclosed invention may be used in any form of glazing for quasi-static display applications. Some instances of its applications may include Electrochromic Windows, Building glasses, Glass panes and the like. Smart glass is especially attractive to electric vehicle (EV) makers. Tests show that SPD-SmartGlass may reduce fuel consumption and increase the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 5.5%, reduce CO2 emissions by 4 grams / km, block 95% of heat, and reduce temperature inside vehicles by up to 18°F / 10°C. Using this frame any shape of window can be pre-assemble and retro-fitted.

[0048] Some advantages of the present invention are enlisted in the following:

[0049] • With the solution of the present invention, the usual lamination defects such as when sheets of glass are laminated together with various functional and electrical layers, adhesives, and films, dust particles may become trapped or bubbles between layers may interfere with the visual quality of the glass, are resolved.

[0050] • With the various embodiments of the disclosed invention, liquid / electrolyte may be injected into the glass unit without drilling additional holes.

[0051] • As per an embodiment, the disclosed spacer system includes a protrusion from inner frame, thereby making it leakproof even in the corners.

[0052] • With the disclosed solution, the R-value performance gets enhanced by using an insulator material as frame and spacer.

[0053] • With the features of the present disclosure, there are means for internal lighting and proper inlet and outlet for liquid filling are designed as well.

[0054] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description, or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0055] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0056] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the structures or methods described herein. Certain features, that are for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in a sub combination. Wherever, method steps are indicated, it is meant as a means for conveying the steps involved and it may or may not be sequential in nature. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Many other embodiments may be apparent to skilled artisans only after reading this specification. Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0057] The description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein, is provided to assist in describing the teachings, and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainly be used in this application.

[0058] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, “including”, “has”, “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive- or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present), and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0059] Also, the use of “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent that certain details regarding specific materials and processing acts are not described, such details may include conventional approaches, which may be found in reference books and other sources within the manufacturing arts.

[0061] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof. List of reference numerals appearing in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding features:

[0062] 100, 200: IGU

[0063] 101: frame combination functioning as spacer

[0064] 102, 210: colloidal solution

[0065] 103: electrode

[0066] 104: glass

[0067] 201: inner frame

[0068] 202: outer frame

[0069] 203: cap

[0070] 204: leakproof means

[0071] 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d: plurality of cavities

[0072] 205: electrolyte path

[0073] 206: a cavity for wire inlet

[0074] 301: means for edge-light illumination

[0075] 302: space for electrolyte

[0076] 303: means for adhesive application

[0077] 304: electrolyte of inlet and outlet

[0078] 221a, 221b, 221c, 22 Id: first and second pair of holding means

[0079] Pl, P2: projections on inner frame

[0080] 301a: housing

[0081] 213: adhesive / sealant

[0082] 214: rubber gasket

[0083] 511: total internal reflection of light

[0084] 512: interface

[0085] 513: waveguide

[0086] 800: method

[0087] S801-S805: method steps

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. An Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) assembled in in-situ manufacturing line, comprising: an inner frame (201) of a first shape having means to sandwich at least two panes of glasses (211a, 211b) on each of its sides; an outer frame (202) adapted to cover the inner frame;Characterized in that, wherein the inner frame (201) comprises a leakproof means (204) for inlet and outlet of an electrolyte solution into a space (302) created by the panes placed parallel to each other; and the outer frame comprises (202) means for containing a whole active IGU architecture for encapsulation and framing.

2. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the outer frame (202) comprises a means (206) for electrical wire inlet and outlet, said means (206) being a cavity for wire inlet and outlet for active functioning of the system.

3. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner frame (201) comprises: a first pair of holding means (221a, 221b) and a second pair of holding means (221c, 221d) adapted to house panes of glasses (21 la, 21 lb); an electrolyte flow path (205) for the inlet and outlet of electrolyte for active functioning of the IGU; and wherein said inner frame (201) is further configured to function as a spacer.

4. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of the first pair of holding means (221a, 221b) and the second pair of holding means (221c, 22 Id) comprises a first projection (Pl) and a second counter projection (P2) coupled to hold the pane of glass.

5. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said first projection (Pl) and second counter projection (P2) are extensions on either side on the periphery of the frame such that the first projection (Pl) and second projection (P2) are provided on opposite peripheries of the inner frame (201).

6. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leakproof means (204) to pour and empty out electrolyte comprises the electrolyte path (205) forming plurality of cavities (204a, 204b, 204c, 204d) structurally adapted for hassle free inlet and outlet of electrolyte solution into the IGU architecture.

7. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of cavities (204a, 204b, 204c, 204d) is provided with a shape tapering down towards the space of the IGU architecture, said space being created by the panes of glasses (21 la, 21 lb), facilitating cavitation free pouring of the electrolyte.

8. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner frame (201) comprises a means (203) for sealing the leakproof means for inlet and outlet, and said means being configured to receive a cap for sealing.

9. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material of the inner frame (201) is configured to function as an optical waveguide.

10. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an interface layer (512) disposed within the inner frame (201) for desirable total internal reflection, wherein said interface layer (512) is chosen to align its refractive index with the refractive index of glass.

11. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner frame (201) and the outer frame (202) comprises grooves (303) for airtight sealing of the IGU architecture.

12. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inner frame (201) comprises a means (301) on its edge to incorporate edge-light illumination of the IGU, said means being grooved rail.

13. The Integrated Glass Unit (IGU) (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer frame (202) comprises a single unit or a modular unit.

14. A system for in-situ manufacturing of an IGU (100, 200) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1-13, wherein said system comprises: a clamping means to hold the inner frame for placing and assembly of two panes of glass on either side of the inner frame forming a space of the IGU architecture; a fixing means for affixing the two panes of glasses on the inner frame with a sealant; an electrolyte filling station to fill the space of the IGU architecture with electrolyte via the leakproof means; a sealing unit for affixing the cap on the leakproof means; and an encapsulation unit for encapsulating the IGU architecture with the outer frame.

15. A method (800) for in-situ manufacturing of an IGU as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1-13, wherein said method comprising: placing and assembling (S801), by a clamping means, two panes of glass on either sides of the inner frame to form a space of the IGU architecture; fixing (S802), by a fixing means, the two panes of glasses on the inner frame with a sealant;filing (S803), by a filling station, the electrolyte into the space entrapped by said panes of glasses; affixing (S804), by a sealing unit, cap on the leakproof means of the inner frame; and encapsulating (S805), by the encapsulating unit, the IGU architecture with the outer frame.

Images