Asymmetrical Insulating Glass Unit for Thermal Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and reliability issues of triple pane insulating glass units have limited their widespread acceptance, particularly due to compatibility problems with existing window and door frame manufacturing tools and the risk of seal failures, which makes them less appealing for new installations or replacements compared to double pane units.
Innovation Solution
The design of an insulating glass unit with three panes and two asymmetrically sized gas spaces, where the second between-pane space is smaller than the first, using spacers with distinct designs and configurations, including a primary sealant layer, secondary sealant layer, and a gas diffusion barrier layer, to achieve thermal efficiency and sound insulation while fitting within standard two-pane unit dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a triple pane insulating glass unit is used to improve thermal efficiency, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but the overall thickness increases making it incompatible with existing window and door frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the two between-pane spaces with different dimensions. The first between-pane space has a greater separation distance than the second between-pane space. This asymmetric configuration allows the triple pane unit to achieve the thermal performance of larger gas spaces while maintaining a compact overall thickness that fits within existing window and door frame openings designed for standard double pane units.
2Loss of energy
If a triple pane insulating glass unit is used to improve thermal efficiency, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but device complexity increases limiting widespread acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insulating glass unit into distinct functional zones with two differently sized between-pane spaces. The first spacer and first between-pane space provide one level of thermal insulation, while the second spacer and second between-pane space provide an additional level. This segmented approach allows the unit to achieve triple-pane thermal performance while using simplified spacer configurations that are easier to manufacture and install compared to traditional triple pane designs.
3Loss of energy
If a triple pane insulating glass unit is used to improve thermal efficiency, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but the risk of seal failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring spacers with different designs tailored to their specific locations and requirements. The first spacer, positioned in the larger first between-pane space, has a different configuration than the second spacer positioned in the smaller second between-pane space. This allows each spacer to be optimized for its local conditions, with the first spacer providing robust sealing for the larger space and the second spacer providing appropriately scaled sealing for the smaller space, thereby reducing the overall risk of seal failure.
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
This configuration enhances thermal and sound insulation properties comparable to triple pane units while maintaining a thickness profile similar to double pane units, reducing the risk of seal failures and accommodating existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The hermetically sealed gas space can be filled with an insulating gas or evacuated to create a vacuum environment, reducing thermal transfer across the gas space and, ultimately, the entire insulating glass unit.
Implementation Method 2
The hermetically sealed gas space can be filled with an insulating gas or evacuated to create a vacuum environment, reducing thermal transfer across the gas space and, ultimately, the entire insulating glass unit.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating glass unit may include at least three panes of transparent material and at least two spacers positioned between different panes of the unit. For example, a first spacer may hold a first pane of transparent material a first separation distance from a second pane of transparent material and a second spacer may hold the second pane of transparent material a second separation distance from a third pane of transparent material. In some examples, the insulating glass unit is configured so that the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance. In such examples, the insulating glass unit may have a comparatively larger first between-pane space and a comparatively smaller second between-pane space. In some applications, the insulating glass unit may exhibit thermal and sound insulating properties approximately equal to a triple-pane insulating glass unit while having size characteristics approximately equal to a double-pane insulating glass unit.