IGU Sealing Assembly with Vision-Guided Sealant Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating glass unit (IGU) sealing systems face challenges with uneven sealant application, particularly when the edges of glass lites are not co-planar, leading to inadequate sealing and potential water vapor infiltration due to manual application methods.
Innovation Solution
A window sealing system utilizing an articulating arm with a sealant dispensing apparatus and vision system, which includes a pivotable dispensing element, a valve for regulating sealant flow, and a controller to adjust application parameters based on real-time monitoring of physical properties, ensuring uniform sealant deposition and bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sealant application is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to uneven sealant application on non-co-planar glass edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sealant application with an automated dispensing system that uses a movable applicator head guided by vision system feedback. The system automatically adjusts the applicator position and sealant flow rate based on real-time detection of glass edge geometry, eliminating manual operation while achieving precise uniform application on non-co-planar surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes application parameters including sealant flow rate, applicator speed, and applicator head position based on detected glass edge characteristics. The vision system measures the actual geometry of glass edges and the controller adjusts application parameters in real-time to compensate for non-co-planarity, ensuring uniform sealant deposition despite varying surface geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated sealant dispensing is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to vision system and articulating arm integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated sealing system: the articulating arm provides positioning, the vision system performs detection and measurement, and the controller coordinates application parameters. This multi-functional integration achieves precise uniform sealant application while consolidating complexity into a coordinated system rather than separate manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system automatically detects glass edge geometry and the controller self-adjusts application parameters without external intervention. The system performs its own measurement and correction functions, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment operations, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high precision.
3Reliability
If sealant is applied over uncovered areas, then reliability is improved by creating a hermetic seal, but manufacturing precision worsens due to difficulty in achieving uniform bonding on previously unsealed surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system performs preliminary detection and mapping of the glass edge geometry and uncovered areas before sealant application begins. The controller uses this advance information to pre-calculate the optimal application path and parameters, ensuring uniform sealant deposition and bonding on previously unsealed surfaces before the actual sealing occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system continuously monitors sealant application in real-time and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts application parameters based on this feedback to ensure uniform bonding over uncovered areas, achieving both hermetic sealing and consistent bond quality through closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
A window sealing system and method for use in sealing insulating glass units (IGUs) is disclosed herein. The system includes an articulating arm having a plurality of members and arms to allow movement about multiple axes defined by the articulating arm, and a sealant dispensing apparatus releasably couplable to the articulating arm. The sealant dispensing apparatus comprises a pivotable dispensing apparatus for dispensing sealant onto an IGU. The system further including a vision system, coupled to the sealant dispensing apparatus, for monitoring physical properties of the sealant during sealant application.