Integrated Glazing Connector Gutter for Protected Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated glazing units with electronic components face challenges in protecting the fragile cable harness and connectors during manufacturing and handling, leading to potential damage and increased disposal costs due to the need for hermetic sealing and minimal frame size for maximum glass surface area.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the male or female electric connector and a portion of the cable harness within a gutter located within the interpane volume of the integrated glazing unit, which is recessed from the edge of the second pane, allows for safe handling and reduces the frame size required for the connectors, enhancing protection and efficiency during production and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable harness and connector are positioned outside the IGU, then the manufacturing and handling process is simpler, but the connectors are vulnerable to damage and the frame size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness and connector are nested within the interpane volume of the IGU, utilizing the existing space between the panes to house the electrical connections. This protects the connectors from external damage while maintaining a compact overall structure without requiring additional external framing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector positioning moves from a two-dimensional external arrangement to a three-dimensional internal arrangement within the interpane volume. This spatial reconfiguration protects the connectors while minimizing the external footprint and frame requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the connector is positioned within the interpane volume, then the frame size is reduced for maximum glass surface area, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness is routed and the connector is positioned within the interpane volume during the IGU assembly process before final sealing. This preliminary positioning ensures proper placement without requiring post-assembly adjustments, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while achieving precise connector placement.
3Productivity
If the IGU is handled vertically during transport, then the footprint on manufacturing floor is reduced, but the cable harness and connector are more susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness and connector are protected by positioning them within the interpane volume, which acts as a cushioning environment. The sealing structure surrounding the interpane volume provides mechanical protection against impacts and stresses during vertical handling and transport, preventing damage before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated glazing unit (IGU) includes a first pane, an electronic laminate that includes an electronic device provided between first and second substrates, a plurality of terminals coupled to the electronic device, and the first substrate being attached to the first pane. The IGU also includes a second pane coupled to the electronic laminated assembly by a spacer, the spacer being recessed with respect to the laminate edge and the second pane edge, forming an interpane volume, R, between the first and second panes. The IGU further includes a gutter having an open face and giving access to an inner volume, Vi. The gutter is positioned within the interpane volume, R, with the open face being recessed from, flush with or extending by less than 10 mm from the second pane edge. The gutter is suitable for receiving the male and/or female electric connector of a cable harness in the inner volume, Vi.