Frameless Window Adhesive Bonding Shape Variation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frameless window manufacturing processes struggle to effectively compensate for shape variations in glass panes due to the high precision and short manufacturing times required, limiting the use of holders with wide slots.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that utilize a work-table and mobile supports to position holders correctly and apply a high elastic modulus adhesive in two distinct steps: first, a hotmelt polyurethane adhesive for initial fixation, followed by a two-component polyurethane adhesive for complete structural union, allowing for optimized manufacturing times and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If holders with wide slots are used to compensate shape variations, then the compensation capability is improved, but the manufacturing time increases and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application process is divided into two distinct steps: first applying adhesive to the edges of the glass pane, then applying adhesive to the holders. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, enabling the use of wide slots for shape compensation without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is applied to the edges of the glass pane in advance, before the holders are positioned. This preliminary action prepares the bonding surfaces ahead of time, so that when holders with wide slots are used for shape compensation, the adhesive is already in place and ready for the second application step.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision assembly is maintained, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to compensate shape variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the bonding interface are treated differently: the edges of the glass pane receive adhesive application in the first step, while the holders receive adhesive application in the second step. This local differentiation allows the wide slots to be used for shape compensation while maintaining precise assembly through controlled adhesive placement in specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding process is segmented into two sequential adhesive applications: first to the glass edges, then to the holders. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate shape variations in the holders while maintaining precise positioning, as the two-step process allows for adjustment during the transition between steps.
3Productivity
If short cure time adhesive is used, then manufacturing time is reduced, but bonding strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding process is divided into two sequential adhesive applications with different functional requirements. The first adhesive application to the glass edges uses a fast-curing adhesive to quickly secure the glass in position. The second adhesive application to the holders uses a slow-curing adhesive to provide strong, durable bonding. This segmentation allows each adhesive to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the adhesive (specifically cure time and viscosity) between the two application steps. The first adhesive has short cure time for rapid initial bonding, while the second adhesive has long cure time for complete structural bonding. This parameter change allows the process to achieve both speed and strength requirements.
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 efficient compensation of shape variations and reduces manufacturing time and costs by using a high elastic modulus adhesive for initial fixation and a lower viscosity adhesive for complete bonding, ensuring precise and rapid window assembly.
Implementation Method 1
apply in the ends of the slots of the holders a layer of a first adhesive (4) having a high elastic modulus and a short cure time
Implementation Method 2
the slots can be filled with a second adhesive (5) which completes the structural union between the pane and the holders
Data Source
AI summary
System for manufacturing frameless windows which comprise a transparent pane, the lower edge of which is fixed in the slot of one or more holders by at least one layer of adhesive, which system comprises a work-table suitable for supporting the pane with the lower edge turned upwards and one or more mobile supports suitable for moving downwards the holders toward the pane, so that the holders can be inserted astride the lower edge, turned upwards, of the pane. In addition, a process is disclosed which can be carried out with the system.