Capillary Membrane Pressure Equalization for Insulating Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating glazings face challenges with pressure equalization between the interpane space and the environment, leading to issues like condensation, corrosion, and instability due to climate loads, and current solutions such as pressure equalization valves and capillary tubes have limitations in terms of complexity, cost, and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An insulating glazing system incorporating a pressure equalization body with a gas-permeable membrane and a capillary, where the capillary has sections with an inner diameter of less than or equal to 1.2 mm, allowing for permanent pressure equalization through diffusion without manual intervention, and is integrated into the spacer's outer surface, minimizing moisture entry and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure equalization valve is used, then pressure equalization is achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure equalization valve with a capillary tube system that uses surface tension and diffusion effects. The capillary tubes with small inner diameters (≤1.2 mm) create sufficient capillary pressure to prevent condensation while allowing slow gas diffusion, eliminating the need for complex mechanical valves with multiple moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs capillary tubes with small inner diameters that function as porous structures. The capillary pressure generated by the small diameter tubes allows selective permeability - permitting slow gas diffusion for pressure equalization while blocking liquid water and condensation, achieving the desired function without mechanical complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a capillary tube with small inner diameter is used, then moisture entry is reduced, but pressure equalization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic balance where the capillary tube dimensions are optimized to allow sufficient pressure equalization over time while maintaining high resistance to moisture entry. The system adapts to pressure differences through controlled diffusion rates, achieving both moisture protection and pressure equalization through carefully selected capillary dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the capillary tube parameters, specifically the inner diameter (≤1.2 mm), to achieve the desired balance. By changing the dimensional parameters of the capillary tubes, the system achieves sufficient capillary pressure to block moisture while maintaining adequate gas diffusion capability for pressure equalization.
3Loss of energy
If the interpane space volume is increased, then insulation performance is improved, but climate load influence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pressure equalization between the interpane space and the external environment, creating equipotential conditions that eliminate pressure differences. This prevents bending stresses and climate loads from acting on the edge seal, allowing larger interpane spaces to be used without compromising seal stability or edge region integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If production and installation locations have different altitudes, then market flexibility is improved, but permanent bending loads occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a pressure equalization system that balances the pressure between the enclosed interpane space and the external environment. This eliminates permanent bending loads caused by altitude differences between production and installation locations, allowing the insulating glazing to be freely transported and installed at any elevation without structural damage.
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 long-term pressure equalization, reduces moisture entry, and enhances the stability and service life of the glazing by preventing condensation and bending stresses, while being easily integratable into the industrial production process.
Implementation Method 1
The inner interpane space of the insulating glazing is gas-permeably connected to the surrounding atmosphere via the capillary and the membrane in a diffusion-open manner
Implementation Method 2
The pressure equalization body contains at least one gas-permeable membrane and at least one capillary
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating glazing having a pressure equalization body includes a capillary and a membrane, wherein a first pane is mounted on a first pane contact surface of the spacer and a second pane is mounted on a second pane contact surface of the spacer, the first and second panes and the glazing interior surface of the spacer enclose an inner interpane space, the first and second panes and the outer surface of the spacer enclose an outer interpane space, the pressure equalization body is inserted into an opening on the outer surface, the pressure equalization body contains a gas-permeable membrane and a capillary, the inner interpane space is gas-permeably connected to the atmosphere via the capillary and the membrane, and the capillary has, in at least one section, a diameter less than or equal to 1.2 mm.