Insulating Glass Element Concealed Pane Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulating glass elements for glass facades face challenges in securing the outer pane both aesthetically and mechanically, as current fastening methods either expose the securing components or constrain the pane, compromising safety and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a triple glazing system with safety clips that engage between the inner and middle panes and in a groove of the outer pane, allowing for indirect mechanical securing of the outer pane without visible fastening elements, using spacers and separate fastening and securing components to ensure constraint-free and concealed attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fastening elements are designed to secure the outer pane with a common component, then the attachment to the facade is simplified, but the outer pane cannot be secured without being constrained by the attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening structureVSAvoidpane security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is divided into two separate functional components: fastening elements for attaching the insulating glass element to the facade, and separate securing clips for securing the outer pane. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between simplified attachment and reliable pane security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing clip acts as an intermediary component that connects the outer pane to the insulating glass element's frame. This intermediary element enables the outer pane to be secured without direct constraint from the facade attachment, allowing the pane to be mechanically secured while maintaining freedom of movement relative to the facade structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fastening elements are designed separately for fastening to the facade and for securing the outer pane, then the outer pane can be secured without constraint, but the securing of the outer pane is visible from the outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepane securityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The securing clips are positioned within the profile structure of the insulating glass element, nested between the visible outer surface and the internal components. This nesting conceals the securing clips from external view while maintaining their functional integrity, allowing the outer pane to be secured reliably without visible fastening elements from the outside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing clips are strategically positioned in specific locations within the profile structure where they are functionally effective but aesthetically concealed. This local placement allows the system to maintain aesthetic quality at the visible outer surface while providing reliable security at the functional securing locations within the profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If securing clips engage directly in the outer pane, then the outer pane is mechanically secured, but forcing the clips can lead to damage to the outer pane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepane securityVSAvoidouter pane integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A groove is预先 formed in the outer pane at the location where the securing clip will engage. This preliminary action creates a prepared receptacle that guides the securing clip into place without forcing, preventing damage to the outer pane while ensuring reliable mechanical engagement for securing the pane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Temperature

If the insulating glass element uses triple glazing with spacers creating intermediate spaces, then the structure provides thermal insulation, but the complexity of engaging securing clips in intermediate spaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidsecuring mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The profile structure of the insulating glass element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the frame for holding the glass panes, creates the intermediate spaces for thermal insulation with spacers, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for both the fastening elements and the securing clips. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall securing mechanism despite the triple glazing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3168406B1Insulation glass element and glasfront
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 EISENBACH HEINZ
  • EP3168406B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3168406B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3168406B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an insulating glass unit (1) for a glass facade (10), comprising at least: a glazing unit (5) designed as double or triple glazing with an inner pane (5i), an optional middle pane and an outer pane (5a), wherein at least one spacer (4) is arranged at the edge between the panes (5a, 5m, 5i), which forms a space (8, 8a, 8i), at least one fastening element (2) which engages in one of the spaces (8) for fastening the insulating glass unit (1) to a mounting surface, and at least one retaining clip (3) which engages on one side in the space (8) between the inner pane (5i) and the outer pane (5a) or in the space (8i) between the inner pane (5i) and the middle pane (5m) and on the other side in at least one groove (6) in the outer pane (5a).The invention further relates to a glass facade with a plurality of insulating glass elements according to the invention (1).