Bullet-proof glass pane with loose edge reinforcement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Typical bullet-proof glass panes experience damage due to temperature fluctuations, leading to cracking or splintering at the edge area due to metal edge reinforcement's temperature-dependent positional variations.

Innovation Solution

A bullet-proof glass pane with a loosely coupled edge reinforcement system, featuring movable reinforcing members with overlapping ends, such as a tongue and groove or plug and socket system, allowing for relative movement and alignment during assembly and under temperature changes, ensuring stability and strength during ballistic impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal edge reinforcement is integrated as a fixed welded or punched frame, then the edge area gains strength and stability, but temperature fluctuations cause positional variations leading to cracking, splintering or other damage to the glass pane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge strengthVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge reinforcement is divided into multiple separate reinforcing members (at least two) that are not rigidly connected to each other. These segmented members can move independently relative to one another, allowing the structure to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without generating damaging stresses in the glass pane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing members are designed with mobile or loose mutual engagement rather than fixed rigid connections. This dynamic configuration allows the reinforcement structure to adapt its shape and position in response to temperature changes, preventing the cracking and splintering that occur with static fixed-frame designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a fixed welded or punched frame is used for edge reinforcement, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the edge reinforcement into separate movable members, the manufacturing process is simplified as each component can be produced independently without requiring precise alignment fixtures or complex welding procedures. The loose engagement design inherently provides alignment tolerance during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing members are designed with self-aligning features through their mobile engagement mechanism. During assembly, the members automatically find their correct positions through their mutual engagement, eliminating the need for complex external alignment procedures or specialized manufacturing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If reinforcing members are rigidly connected to maintain strength, then structural stability is improved, but the system cannot accommodate dimensional variations due to temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtemperature adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing members employ mobile or loose mutual engagement that allows dynamic adjustment of their relative positions. This enables the structure to maintain stability under normal conditions while adapting to dimensional changes caused by temperature fluctuations, combining both structural integrity and thermal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changes in the spatial parameters (positions and orientations) of the reinforcing members in response to temperature variations. The mobile engagement mechanism enables these parameter changes without compromising the overall structural stability or the protective function of the edge reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 loosely coupled edge reinforcement system prevents damage from temperature fluctuations and simplifies manufacturing by allowing for alignment during assembly, while providing enhanced strength and stability against ballistic impacts.

Implementation Method 1

dimensional and length variations due to temperature fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9945641B2Bullet-proof glass pane with edge reinforcement

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 STRANNER SIEGFRIED

AI summary

The invention relates to a bulletproof glass pane for use in a motor vehicle having a plurality of panes and layers of glass, ceramics or plastics connected two-dimensionally to each other in layers to form a composite, and having an edge reinforcement that extends at the periphery of the bulletproof glass pane, wherein the edge reinforcement comprises at least two or more reinforcing elements that are in loose mutual engagement.