Glass Opening Reinforcement via Bushing Compressive Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass products with openings are weakened and prone to breaking due to tensile stress, as conventional tempering processes cannot be applied after forming holes, and existing reinforcement methods are inadequate for maintaining durability and strength.
Innovation Solution
A glass product with a bushing and adhesive system that introduces compressive stress at the opening by expanding and contracting the bushing, which is thermally or mechanically expanded and then adhered to the glass edge, creating a compressive force that strengthens the glass around the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an opening is formed in a glass sheet, then the glass sheet can be used for applications requiring openings (e.g., wiper passages, antenna holes), but the glass sheet is weakened and prone to breaking under tensile stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a reinforcement element specifically at the opening area where stress concentration occurs. The reinforcement member is positioned locally at the opening rather than throughout the entire glass sheet, providing targeted strengthening where needed while maintaining the overall glass properties elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the glass sheet with a reinforcement member made of different materials (such as metal, polymer, or ceramic). This composite structure leverages the strengths of both materials - the optical and chemical properties of glass combined with the mechanical strength of the reinforcement material - to create a glass assembly that maintains strength despite having an opening.
2Strength
If thermal tempering is applied to strengthen glass, then the glass gains permanent residual surface compression and becomes difficult to break, but the glass cannot be cut or shaped after tempering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming openings and installing reinforcement members in the glass sheet before the tempering process. This sequence allows the glass to be cut, drilled, and reinforced while still in its annealed state, and then strengthened through tempering afterward. The reinforcement member is positioned in advance to withstand the thermal stress of tempering and provide ongoing strength enhancement.
3Reliability
If laminated glass is used to provide impact protection, then the glass offers better safety and various functional benefits, but the complexity of the glass structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the reinforcement member to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The reinforcement member not only strengthens the glass at the opening but also acts as a bonding interface between laminate layers, provides a mounting surface for components, and can incorporate sealing or insulation functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the laminated configuration.
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 effectively enhances the strength and durability of glass products with openings by distributing compressive stress, reducing the risk of cracking and fractures, and can be applied to both tempered and non-tempered glass, including laminated glass sheets.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing may be made of a metal or metal alloy, and preferably may be aluminum or its alloy. The bushing is subject to tension.
Implementation Method 2
A sheet of glass having an opening may undergo tempering to provide a strengthened glass sheet. Tempering glass is a thermal or chemical process that provides a strengthened glass sheet having permanent residual internal tension and surface compression.
Implementation Method 3
The adhesive may be thermally, chemically, or ultraviolet radiation cured.
Implementation Method 4
The adhesive may be thermally, chemically, or ultraviolet radiation cured.
Implementation Method 5
The adhesive may be thermally, chemically, or ultraviolet radiation cured.
Data Source
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AI summary
A glass product includes a glazing having at least one glass sheet, an opening extending through the glazing, a bushing extending through the opening; and an adhesive provided between an edge of the opening and an outer edge of the bushing, wherein compressive stress is formed in the glazing around the opening in the glazing by contraction of the bushing.