Glass Panel Frame with Differential Softening Seals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass panel unit manufacturing processes face challenges in maintaining hermetic seals due to deformation of sealants during the melting process, leading to reduced production yield.
Innovation Solution
A glass panel unit design featuring a frame member with distinct softening points for sealing materials, where a reinforcing portion with a higher softening point than the first part reduces deformation and maintains the hermetic seal, and a method involving an evacuation and sealing process to create a vacuum insulated glazing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a glass frit with higher melting temperature is used as boundary walls, then the structural strength is improved, but the sealant deforms significantly and breaks the hermetic seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different sealing materials with different softening points in different parts of the frame member. The first sealing material with lower softening point is used in the first part, while the second sealing material with higher softening point is used in the second part adjacent to the first part. This localized differentiation allows each region to have appropriate thermal properties for its specific function, preventing overall seal deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple sealing materials with different softening characteristics within the same frame member. The frame member contains both the first sealing material (lower softening point) and the second sealing material (higher softening point), creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of each material - the lower softening point material provides flexibility and seal formation, while the higher softening point material provides structural stability at elevated temperatures.
2Strength
If the sealant is melted to bond glass panels, then the bonding strength is improved, but the sealant deforms and breaks the hermetic seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different sealing materials with different softening points in different parts of the frame member. The first sealing material with lower softening point is used in the first part, while the second sealing material with higher softening point is used in the second part adjacent to the first part. This localized differentiation allows each region to have appropriate thermal properties for its specific function, preventing overall seal deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the softening point parameter of the sealing materials used in different parts of the frame member. The first sealing material has a lower softening point parameter, allowing it to melt and bond at lower temperatures with minimal deformation. The second sealing material has a higher softening point parameter, providing thermal stability and preventing deformation when exposed to higher temperatures during the bonding process.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single sealing material is used in the frame member, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the sealant deforms at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different sealing materials with different softening points in different parts of the frame member. The first sealing material with lower softening point is used in the first part, while the second sealing material with higher softening point is used in the second part adjacent to the first part. This localized differentiation allows each region to have appropriate thermal properties for its specific function, preventing overall seal deformation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple sealing materials with different softening characteristics within the same frame member. The frame member contains both the first sealing material (lower softening point) and the second sealing material (higher softening point), creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of each material - the lower softening point material provides flexibility and seal formation, while the higher softening point material provides structural stability at elevated temperatures.
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 effectively increases production yield by minimizing sealant deformation and ensuring a hermetic bond between glass panels, enhancing the reliability of the vacuum insulated glazing unit.
Implementation Method 1
a second part containing a second sealing material having a second softening point that is higher than the first softening point. The reinforcing portion contains a third sealing material having a third softening point that is higher than the first softening point
Implementation Method 2
respective peripheral portions of a pair of glass panels arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap left between them are sealed with a sealant
Implementation Method 3
the space is then evacuated through an evacuation port, thereby creating a reduced pressure condition in the space
Data Source
AI summary
A glass panel unit includes: a pair of glass panels arranged to face each other; and a frame member disposed between the pair of glass panels to hermetically bond the pair of glass panels together. The frame member includes: a body; and a reinforcing portion. The body has a frame shape and includes: a first part containing a first sealing material having a first softening point; and a second part containing a second sealing material having a second softening point that is higher than the first softening point. The reinforcing portion contains a third sealing material having a third softening point that is higher than the first softening point. The reinforcing portion is adjacent to the first part in a space surrounded with the pair of glass panels and the body.