Glass Panel Unit Concealing Exhaust Port via Printed Mask
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pane glazing systems have conspicuous exhaust ports that mar the appearance when viewed through glass panes without exhaust ports, compromising aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A glass panel unit design featuring a frame-shaped sealing portion and a printed portion with a higher melting point, where the printed portion is positioned to conceal the exhaust port and gas adsorbent, creating a hermetically sealed space with improved thermal insulation and hiding the exhaust port from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the exhaust port is provided for one glass pane to enable evacuation and sealing of the hermetically sealed space, then the manufacturing process can be completed, but the appearance is marred because the exhaust port is conspicuous through the other glass pane with no exhaust ports
Solution Approach 1:
A printed portion is introduced as an intermediary element on the surface of the glass pane without an exhaust port. This printed portion serves as a visual mask that conceals the exhaust port located on the opposing glass pane, thereby resolving the aesthetic issue while maintaining the functional exhaust port configuration necessary for manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The printed portion utilizes color or optical properties to alter the visual appearance of the glass pane. By applying a printed design, pattern, or coating that obscures the view through the glass, the exhaust port on the opposite side becomes inconspicuous, thus improving appearance without affecting the exhaust port's functionality
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 conceals the exhaust port and associated components, enhancing the appearance of the glass panel unit while maintaining excellent thermal insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing portion formed in a frame shape and hermetically bonding respective peripheral edge portions of the first and second panels to each other thereby creating an evacuated, hermetically sealed space
Implementation Method 2
a printed portion provided for the other panel selected from the group consisting of the first and second panels, the printed portion being located in an area, facing the exhaust port, of one surface of the other panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are a glass panel unit and a glass window, both of which are designed to render an exhaust port much less conspicuous when viewed through a glass pane with no exhaust ports. A glass panel unit includes: a first panel (1) including a glass pane; a second panel (2) including another glass pane; a sealing portion (41); an exhaust port (50); and a printed portion (48). The second panel (2) is arranged to face the first panel (1). The sealing portion (41) is formed in a frame shape and hermetically bonds respective peripheral edge portions of the first and second panels (1, 2) to create an evacuated, hermetically sealed space between the first panel (1) and the second panel (2). The exhaust port (50) is provided for one panel selected from the first and second panels (1, 2). A port sealing member (42) hermetically seals the exhaust port (50). The printed portion (48) is provided for the other panel selected from the first and second panels (1, 2). The printed portion (48) is located in an area, facing the exhaust port (50), of one surface of the other panel. The one surface either faces toward, or faces away from, the hermetically sealed space.