Glass Panel Unit With Getter Layer for Easier Vacuum Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of glass panel units with a getter material in a vacuum space is often troublesome due to the need to hide the gas adsorbent, imposing restrictions on its location.
Innovation Solution
A glass panel unit design with a gas adsorbing layer containing a getter material that covers at least one of the glass panes, allowing the getter material to be integrated into the vacuum space without being conspicuous, and a manufacturing method that forms the gas adsorbing layer before assembling the glass panes, enabling easier integration and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gas adsorbent is provided in the vacuum space as a separate component, then the getter material can effectively adsorb residual gas, but the gas adsorbent becomes conspicuous and requires hiding behind the window frame, making the manufacturing process troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The gas adsorbent is merged with the glass pane surface to form a gas adsorbing layer. The getter material is applied directly onto the glass pane, eliminating the need for separate gas adsorbent components and their associated mounting complexities, while maintaining vacuum maintenance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The glass pane serves dual functions: as the transparent structural component and as the substrate for the gas adsorbing layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gas adsorbent components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining vacuum integrity
2Shape
If the gas adsorbent is hidden behind the window frame, then the appearance is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more troublesome due to location restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The gas adsorbent is combined with the glass pane surface itself, forming an integrated gas adsorbing layer. This eliminates the need to hide the gas adsorbent behind the frame, as it becomes part of the glass pane structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining aesthetic appearance
3Reliability
If the gas adsorbing layer is formed after assembling the glass panes, then the vacuum space is already established, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gas adsorbing layer is formed on the glass pane surface before the glass panes are assembled into the final vacuum insulated glazing unit. This preliminary action allows the getter material to be applied to the glass surface while it is still accessible, avoiding the need for complex post-assembly operations to install the gas adsorbent
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: glass pane preparation with gas adsorbing layer formation, followed by assembly into the vacuum insulated glazing unit. This segmentation allows the gas adsorbing layer to be formed independently on each glass pane before final assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
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 simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing the getter material to be seamlessly integrated into the glass panel unit, reducing manufacturing complexity and constraints on its location, while maintaining the unit's appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The gas adsorbing layer contains a getter material
Implementation Method 2
The frame member is provided between the first glass pane and the second glass pane to hermetically bond the first and second glass panes together
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a glass panel unit contributing to making the manufacturing process of glass panel units less troublesome. A glass panel unit (10) includes a first glass pane (20), a second glass pane (30), a frame member (40), a vacuum space (50), and a gas adsorbing layer (60). The gas adsorbing layer (60) is formed to cover at least one of the first glass pane (20) or the second glass pane (30). The gas adsorbing layer (60) contains a getter material.