Aerogel IG Unit Adhesion Outside the Vision Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IG units and glazing assemblies do not effectively utilize aerogel sheets in a way that ensures strong adhesion to glass panes while maintaining a visually appealing and functional design.
Innovation Solution
Aerogel sheets are arranged in a tiled configuration between glass sheets, adhered to the interior surface of one glass sheet, with adhesive applied outside the vision area to maintain aesthetic appeal and functional integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If aerogel sheets are adhered to the interior surface of glass sheets using adhesive, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the visual appearance may be compromised due to adhesive visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is selectively applied only to specific regions of the aerogel sheet (perimeter regions, corners, or central region) rather than the entire surface, creating different adhesive coverage zones that balance both adhesion requirements and visual aesthetics. This localized adhesive application ensures thermal insulation while minimizing visual impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive application is extracted from being a universal covering to a selective, localized treatment. By removing adhesive from large portions of the aerogel surface and applying it only where structurally necessary, the solution maintains thermal insulation performance while preserving the visual appearance of the glazing unit.
2Loss of energy
If aerogel sheets are arranged in a tiled configuration, then thermal insulation coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerogel insulation is divided into multiple separate sheets arranged in a tiled configuration, allowing each sheet to be individually manufactured, handled, and positioned. This segmentation enables better coverage of large glass surfaces while maintaining manageable manufacturing processes for each individual sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple aerogel sheets are combined in a tiled arrangement to create a comprehensive insulation system. The sheets work together as a unified thermal barrier while allowing for standardized manufacturing and assembly processes, balancing coverage requirements with manufacturing ease.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied to the entire surface of aerogel sheets, then adhesion strength is improved, but the aesthetic appeal of the glazing unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive application is concentrated in specific localized regions (perimeter, corners, or central area) rather than distributed across the entire surface. This creates zones of high adhesion strength where needed while leaving other areas adhesive-free to maintain aesthetic appeal and visual clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying adhesive uniformly across the entire aerogel surface, the solution uses partial action by limiting adhesive application to only the necessary portions. This partial coverage provides sufficient adhesion strength for structural integrity while avoiding excessive adhesive that would compromise aesthetics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced thermal insulation and adhesion of aerogel sheets to glass panes, ensuring a visually appealing and functional IG unit with improved thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
Aerogel is a known insulation material that can be used between two glass sheets
Implementation Method 2
the aerogel sheet is adhered to an interior surface of one of the two glass sheets by an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an IG unit that includes two glass sheets and an aerogel sheet located between the two glass sheets. The aerogel sheet is adhered to an interior surface of one of the two glass sheets by an adhesive, such that a face of the aerogel sheet is carried alongside the interior surface and has a portion that is devoid of the adhesive. In some cases, the adhesive is outside a vision area of the unit. In some cases, the adhesive securing the aerogel sheet to the interior surface is in contact with the first face of the aerogel sheet, and the adhesive contacts less than 10% of the first face of the aerogel sheet. Furthermore, some embodiments provide a glazing assembly that includes a frame and an IG unit mounted in the frame such that a vision area of the glazing assembly is located inwardly of the frame.