Foam-Wrapped Multi-Glazed Window Assembly for Retained Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windows, even those with multiple panes, lose heat at a significant rate, and current solutions for adding insulating airspaces are complicated to install, interfere with window operability, or fail to maintain original functionality.
Innovation Solution
A window glazing assembly using a peel-and-stick double-sided tape and spacer assemblies to easily attach additional glazing layers, creating insulating airspaces and maintaining operability, with optional desiccant tapes for moisture control and spacer bars for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If additional glazing layers are added to create insulating airspaces, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing assembly is divided into separate functional components: existing window unit, additional glazing layers, spacer assemblies, and attachment assemblies. Each component can be independently installed and removed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining multiple insulating airspaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Spacer assemblies and attachment assemblies are pre-configured with adhesive tapes and sealing components before installation. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site complexity and enables DIY installation without requiring complex manufacturing or assembly processes.
2Loss of energy
If additional glazing layers are added to create insulating airspaces, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing system is segmented into removable additional layers that can be independently installed on the interior side of the window. This segmentation allows the original window to retain its full operability while the added layers provide insulation when in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assemblies use reversible adhesive bonds that allow the additional glazing layers to be easily installed and removed. This dynamic attachment method maintains window operability by enabling the additional layers to be taken down when the window needs to be opened or cleaned.
3Loss of energy
If complex assemblies are used to create insulating airspaces, then insulation performance is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
All critical assembly components (spacers, seals, adhesives) are pre-configured in the attachment assemblies during manufacturing. This preliminary action transfers complexity from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, where it can be more efficiently managed, resulting in simple DIY installation for the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
Attachment assemblies serve as intermediary components that simplify the connection between additional glazing layers and the existing window. These pre-fabricated intermediaries contain all necessary sealing and bonding elements, eliminating the need for complex on-site manufacturing or assembly procedures.
4Loss of energy
If multiple glazing layers are added to achieve high R-values, then insulation performance is improved, but quantity of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating airspaces are created locally at the window surface using thin additional glazing layers and compact spacer assemblies. This local approach provides high R-values (R-6 to R-14) without requiring large quantities of insulating material, focusing the insulation effect precisely where thermal loss occurs.
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 assembly significantly reduces thermal loss and gain, provides enhanced insulation (R-6 to R-14), and maintains window operability, with the potential for structural reinforcement and moisture management.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment assembly may be in the form of a peel-and-stick double sided tape that allows easy attachment of the glazing panel(s) or layer(s) to a selected portion of the window unit
Implementation Method 2
The glazing assembly is adapted to provide one or more insulated airspaces to the window unit, thereby increasing the thermal insulating capabilities of the window
Implementation Method 3
Some embodiments further include a desiccant tape or other like drying agent that can be exposed to the inside of the insulated airspace created thereby to control moisture or condensation therein
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-glazed window assembly is presented herein. The assembly includes a plurality of glazing layers arranged in a parallel relation to one another and defining at least one insulating airspace there between. The assembly also includes a perimeter spacer assembly and a resilient foam outer wrapping. The perimeter spacer assembly is attached along a length of an interior surface of the outer wrapping defining at least one interior channel. An intermediate glazing layer is mounted within the channel while outer glazing layers are disposed on opposing sides of the intermediate glazing layer and laterally spaced therefrom. The resilient foam outer wrapping then extends entirely around a collective perimeter of the glazing layers, thereby creating a multi-glazed window assembly formed with a gasket-like foam outer surface and with minimal seams and material.