Insulating Glazing Connector for Electrical Coupling and Seal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current insulating glazings with active elements face challenges in efficient and cost-effective assembly due to time-consuming manual routing of current conductors, which creates potential leak points and compromises tightness.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a connector system where a conductive coupling element is placed in a receiving groove between the spacer and pane elements, allowing for electrical connection and uniform power distribution along the pane surface, reducing the need for extensive sealing and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current conductors are routed through the seals of the insulating glazing, then electrical power supply to active elements is achieved, but the tightness and sealing quality deteriorate due to numerous defect points for liquid and gas leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power supplyVSAvoidtightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the current conductors from the seal structure by introducing a separate connector element that provides electrical connection without penetrating the seal. The connector is integrated into the spacer structure, allowing power supply while keeping the seal intact and free of defect points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves as an intermediary element between the external power source and the active elements. It provides the electrical connection function while being structurally integrated into the spacer, thus mediating between the need for power supply and the requirement for seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual routing of current conductors is performed, then electrical connection is established, but production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the electrical connection function from the manual routing process by providing a pre-fabricated connector element with integrated conductors. This allows the connection to be made as a single unit rather than requiring manual routing of multiple conductors, significantly reducing production time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector element is prepared in advance with all necessary electrical connections and conductor routing already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site manual routing and connection work during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If multiple current conductors are used for power supply, then adequate electrical power is delivered, but the number of seal penetrations and potential leak points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power deliveryVSAvoidnumber of conductors

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple current conductors into a single integrated connector element. This consolidation maintains the electrical power delivery capability while reducing the number of separate conductor paths that would need to penetrate the seal, thereby reducing the number of potential leak points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as part of the spacer system, establishes electrical connections for power supply, and maintains seal integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate elements for each function, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This approach enhances the tightness and reduces production effort by allowing selective and uniform electrical energy transmission, minimizing leak points and assembly complexity while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

An electrically conductive coupling element is provided in the receiving groove of the connector such that an electrical coupling can be established between the connector and the first pane element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11346149B2Insulating glazing, window and production method

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA

AI summary

An insulating glazing, in particular a triple glazing or a multiple glazing, with at least one first pane element, at least one spacer, and at least one connector, wherein the spacer and the connector are arranged next to each other such that they extend along a common longitudinal axis, wherein the spacer and the connector accommodate and position the first pane element. An electrically conductive coupling element is provided in the receiving groove of the connector such that an electrical coupling can be established between the connector and the first pane element for electrically connecting an external power source to the first pane element.