Differential Adhesive Glazing Joint for Reconfigurable Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glazed wall assembly methods, such as silicone and double-sided adhesive joints, are difficult to assemble and disassemble, require precision, and complicate panel replacement or reconfiguration, while also being aesthetically challenging and not easily reversible.

Innovation Solution

A connecting joint system with adjustable force of separation, featuring a layer of adhesive or mechanical anchoring means, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of glazed wall panels while maintaining a transparent appearance, utilizing a differential adhesive system with varying peeling forces to ensure cohesion and ease of panel repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a silicone seal is used to assemble panel edges, then the aesthetic appearance is preserved with a small section, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult and require removing the seal and cleaning edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting joint is divided into multiple functional layers: a first adhesive layer for bonding to the first panel, a second adhesive layer for bonding to the second panel, and an intermediate layer providing mechanical properties. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, enabling both aesthetic appearance and ease of assembly/disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the adhesive layers, including shear modulus (10^5 to 10^7 Pa for the first layer, 10^6 to 10^8 Pa for the second layer) and thickness (0.1 to 5 mm for the first layer, 0.05 to 2 mm for the second layer). These parameter changes enable the joint to achieve both strong bonding for aesthetics and controlled detachment for ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If a double-sided adhesive joint is used to assemble panel edges, then the aesthetic appearance is preserved with a small section, but the bonding requires particular care for vertical alignment and disassembly is difficult requiring peeling off the adhesive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidalignment precision requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate layer between the two adhesive layers provides dynamic mechanical properties that allow the joint to accommodate alignment variations during assembly. The specific shear modulus range (10^6 to 10^8 Pa) enables the layer to deform and adapt to minor misalignments while maintaining bond strength, reducing the need for precise alignment during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a strong adhesive bond is used to firmly connect panels, then the cohesion of the glazed wall is ensured, but the disassembly and panel replacement become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecohesion strengthVSAvoidpanel replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Different adhesive layers are assigned different local qualities: the first adhesive layer has lower shear modulus (10^5 to 10^7 Pa) and greater thickness (0.1 to 5 mm) for easier detachment, while the second adhesive layer has higher shear modulus (10^6 to 10^8 Pa) and smaller thickness (0.05 to 2 mm) for stronger bonding. This local quality differentiation enables strong overall cohesion while allowing controlled disassembly through the first layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the connecting joint allows easy disassembly for panel repositioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the connection strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel repositioning capabilityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting joint uses a composite structure with multiple adhesive layers having different mechanical properties. The first adhesive layer (shear modulus 10^5 to 10^7 Pa, thickness 0.1 to 5 mm) provides easy detachment for repositioning, while the second adhesive layer (shear modulus 10^6 to 10^8 Pa, thickness 0.05 to 2 mm) ensures strong connection strength. This composite approach simultaneously achieves adaptability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables easy assembly and disassembly of glazed walls, allowing for reconfiguration and reuse of panels, while maintaining a strong and aesthetically pleasing connection that prevents air and noise passage.

Implementation Method 1

a first adhesive layer ( 10 5 to 10 7 Pa and having a thickness of 0.1 to 5 mm) arranged on a first external face of the support and intended to cooperate with one face of the first panel, and a second adhesive layer (10 6 to 10 8 Pa) arranged on a second external face of the support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2855814B1Connection joint for glass wall and glass wall
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP2855814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2855814B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP2855814B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A

AI summary

This connecting joint (6) between two panels (2, 2') of a glazed wall is intended to cooperate with one face (23, 21') of each panel (2, 2') and has: at least one mounting (7) having a first outer face (7A) and a second outer face (7B); a first securing means (8) located on the first outer face (7A) of the mounting; a second securing means (9) located on the second outer face (7B) of the mounting. The detachment force at right angles of the first securing means (8), measured on a glass panel using a tensile test machine having a movable jaw, is between 3 and 20 N/cm for a speed of movement of the movable jaw of 100 mm/min, while the detachment force at right angles of the second securing means (9), measured on a glass panel using a tensile test machine having a movable jaw, is greater than or equal to 30 N/cm for a speed of movement of the movable jaw of 100 mm/min.