Cold Bent Structural Glazing Composite Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cold bent glass structures using silicone structural sealants face challenges with silicone sealant creep and tear failure, which affect the durability and longevity of the structures.
Innovation Solution
A method of preparing a curved structural glazing composite involves a metal frame and a glass panel with a silicone sealant in between, where the composite is cold bent without heat application, and the ratio of metal frame thickness to silicone sealant thickness is maintained at less than 10, with optional features like internal grooves in the metal frame to reduce peak strain in the sealant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cold bending is used to form curved glass panels, then cost efficiency is improved compared to hot bending, but silicone sealant creep and tear failure occur due to permanent bending force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the metal frame (thickness, cross-sectional shape, curvature radius) to optimize the bending mechanics. By adjusting these parameters, the frame can apply the necessary bending force while reducing the permanent stress on the silicone sealant, thereby maintaining cost efficiency while improving durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of metal frame, silicone sealant, and glass panel. By carefully selecting and combining these materials with specific properties (metal frame strength, silicone elasticity, glass rigidity), the system achieves both cost-effectiveness and improved reliability through material synergy
2Strength
If the metal frame thickness is increased to provide structural support, then structural strength is improved, but the ratio of metal frame thickness to silicone sealant thickness increases causing excessive strain on the sealant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness ratio parameter between metal frame and silicone sealant. By maintaining this ratio below 10, the design achieves the right balance where the metal frame provides sufficient structural support without creating excessive bending strain on the silicone sealant, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability
3Reliability
If silicone sealant thickness is increased to reduce strain, then sealant durability is improved, but the ratio of metal frame thickness to silicone sealant thickness becomes excessively low affecting structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes an optimal range for the thickness ratio parameter (less than 10) that simultaneously satisfies both structural integrity and sealant durability requirements. This parameter optimization ensures that the silicone sealant is thick enough to withstand bending strain while the metal frame maintains sufficient thickness to provide structural support
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 method significantly reduces silicone sealant creep and tear failure, thereby increasing the service life and durability of cold bent glass structures, with predicted durability improvements ranging from 4.6 to 7.8 times compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a silicone sealant in between... bonded to a metal frame by a silicone sealant
Implementation Method 2
elastically deformed without the application of heat to follow the desired façade contours... the bent glass naturally attempts to return to its initial flat shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a curved structural glazing composite comprises providing an initial composite comprising a metal frame and a glass panel with a silicone sealant disposed therebetween and cold bending the initial composite to give the curved structural glazing composite. A ratio of a thickness of the metal frame to a thickness of the silicone sealant in the curved structural glazing composite is less than 10.