Historic Divided Lite Window Assembly With VIG Edge Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Historic buildings with single-glazed windows face challenges in achieving both historical aesthetics and modern energy efficiency, as existing solutions either compromise historic accuracy or fail to maximize thermal performance due to conductive edge effects in Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) units.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly using VIG panels embedded deeper within a frame with strategically placed muntins and air cavities, mimicking historic divided lites, to minimize heat transfer at the glass edges and enhance overall thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If single-glazed windows are used in historic buildings, then historical aesthetics are preserved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simulated divided lite appearance that replicates the historic aesthetic without using actual multiple small panes. The vacuum insulated glass panel mimics the visual characteristics of traditional divided lites while providing superior thermal performance, thus copying the desired appearance while eliminating the energy efficiency problems of single glazing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transitioning from single glazing to vacuum insulated glass with ultra-thin spacers. This changes the physical parameters of the glass assembly - specifically the spacing between glass layers (reduced to 0.006-0.012 inches) and the introduction of vacuum insulation - which dramatically improves thermal performance while maintaining a historically accurate appearance.
2Loss of energy
If double, triple, or quad pane glass is used, then energy efficiency is improved, but historical accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum insulated glass assembly copies the appearance of traditional single-pane or divided lite windows while incorporating modern multi-layer insulation technology. The ultra-thin spacer system creates a visual profile that mimics historic windows, but the internal vacuum and multiple glass layers provide energy efficiency comparable to or exceeding double, triple, or quad pane configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the contradiction by adding a dimensional solution - using an ultra-thin spacer dimension (0.006-0.012 inches) that is too thin to be easily visible, thereby creating the appearance of single glazing from the exterior while maintaining the thermal benefits of multi-layer vacuum insulation in the same assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If VIG panels are used with standard spacers, then manufacturing is simplified, but thermal performance deteriorates due to conductive edge effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing the spacer thickness to an ultra-thin dimension (0.006-0.012 inches) and introducing vacuum insulation. This extreme parameter reduction minimizes the conductive path at the edges, neutralizing the cold edge effect that plagues standard VIG assemblies with thicker spacers, while still allowing for practical manufacturing through specialized edge sealing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inert atmosphere principle by creating a vacuum environment between the glass layers. This vacuum eliminates convective heat transfer and significantly reduces conductive heat transfer through the spacer, thereby neutralizing the cold edge effect without requiring complex active heating or cooling systems.
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 provides a historically accurate appearance while significantly improving energy efficiency by neutralizing the cold edge effect, achieving superior thermal performance comparable to modern insulated glass units.
Implementation Method 1
A VIG panel is comprised of two layers of annealed, heat strengthened or tempered glass that are minimally separated, typically in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The vacuum removes most of the air from between the layers of glass minimizing heat transfer from one side of the VIG to the other.
Implementation Method 2
The exterior glass layer typically has a low-e (low emissivity) coating on the inner surface of the glass that faces the interior glass layer. This low-e coating, along with the vacuum space between the glass layers, provides a thermally superior glass option by significantly reducing heat transfer through the fenestration product.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to hermetically sealed glass using vacuum technology to remove still air, preventing the infiltration and exfiltration of heat through the installed glass in a modern window and/or door system composed of vinyl, wood, or other readily available substrate, thereby minimizing the negative impact of heat loss through the outer edges of the hermetically sealed glass, while also applying lengths of hollow vinyl, solid wood, or other readily available substrates to the exposed portions of the hermetically sealed glass to give the appearance of a window/door utilizing multiple single pieces of glass.