Insulating Glass Connector With Membrane Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating glass units face challenges with pressure equalization, leading to issues like fogging and reduced insulation efficiency due to the inability of traditional solutions to effectively balance internal and external pressures without allowing moisture or dust ingress.
Innovation Solution
A connector with integrated pressure equalization, featuring gas-permeable and water-vapor-tight membranes, is used to connect hollow profile strips, allowing for direct pressure balance between the internal space and the environment while preventing moisture and dust entry, simplifying the production process by eliminating the need for separate pressure equalization elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capillary tube is used for pressure equalization, then pressure balance between pane interior and environment is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and the capillary is very sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure equalization function directly into the connector structure by forming a passage through the connector body, eliminating the need for separate capillary tubes. The connector simultaneously performs mechanical connection and pressure equalization functions, simplifying the overall structure and reducing sensitivity issues associated with separate capillary components.
2Reliability
If a pressure equalization system with capillary and membrane is integrated into the spacer, then pressure balance is achieved, but the integration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure equalization passage, membrane mounting area, and connector structure into a single integrated component. The passage is formed directly in the connector, and the membrane is mounted in a recess of the same connector, eliminating multiple separate integration steps and significantly improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization passage is pre-formed in the connector structure during connector manufacturing, before the insulating glass unit assembly process. This preliminary integration of the pressure equalization function into the connector eliminates time-consuming post-assembly integration steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the space between panes is tightly sealed, then humidity in the space is reduced to minimum, but pressure equalization with the environment becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sealing qualities to different locations: the peripheral seal provides tight sealing to prevent humidity ingress, while a localized passage through the connector allows pressure equalization. The membrane in the passage selectively permits gas permeability while blocking water vapor, achieving both humidity control and pressure balance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary element that selectively mediates between the need for tight sealing (to prevent humidity) and pressure equalization requirements. It allows gas molecules to pass through for pressure balance while blocking larger water vapor molecules, resolving the contradiction between sealing and pressure equalization.
4Stability of the object's composition
If pressure equalization passage is added to prevent pane bulging, then mechanical stability is improved, but the risk of moisture and dust penetration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a membrane (flexible thin film) to close the pressure equalization passage. This membrane maintains the passage open for pressure equalization while providing a barrier that prevents moisture and dust penetration. The membrane's selective permeability allows gas exchange while blocking harmful contaminants.
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 effective pressure equalization, reduces moisture ingress, and enhances the thermal insulation properties of insulating glass units by integrating the membrane directly into the connector during assembly, improving the stability and longevity of the glass units.
Implementation Method 1
gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane
Implementation Method 2
gas-permeable and water vapor-tight membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (I) for connecting two hollow profiles in insulating glazing units, the connector at least comprising two insertion limbs (31) suitable for insertion into a hollow profile (1) and a connection region (34), in which the two insertion limbs (31) are connected, and comprising an outer surface (39), two pane contact surfaces (40) and an inner surface (41). A cavity (33) is provided in the connector (I), said cavity being suitable for producing a passage in an insulating glazing unit (II) from the interior pane gap (12) to the exterior. The cavity (33) has a first opening (36) in the outer surface (39) of the connection region and the first opening (36) is sealed by a gas-permeable, moisture-proof membrane (32).