Insulating glass elements for multiple-pane doors with a transparent edge composite and method for producing the insulating glass elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerated cabinet and showcase construction, traditional aluminum spacers in insulating glass elements create a visual barrier, obstructing the view and compromising the aesthetic appeal, while also posing challenges with condensation and moisture absorption.
Innovation Solution
Replacing aluminum spacers with transparent glass spacers connected to the glass panes via ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer lamination, which forms a permanent bond and prevents cold bridges and delamination, ensuring clear visibility and effective moisture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If aluminum spacers are used in insulating glass elements, then structural stability and moisture binding are achieved, but visual appearance is compromised due to the opaque metal barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the spacer material from opaque aluminum to transparent glass, while maintaining the structural function through careful design of the glass spacer geometry and connection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining glass spacers with EVA copolymer lamination and desiccant materials to achieve both visual transparency and structural stability with moisture management capabilities
2Stability of the object's composition
If aluminum spacers are used to maintain distance between panes, then stability is achieved, but condensation risk increases due to cold bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous aluminum spacer with discrete glass spacer elements that are laminated to the glass panes, eliminating the thermal bridge effect while maintaining the spacing function
Solution Approach 2:
The EVA copolymer acts as an intermediary bonding agent between the glass spacers and glass panes, providing both mechanical connection and thermal insulation to prevent condensation
3Illumination intensity
If glass spacers are used to eliminate visual barriers, then transparency is improved, but bonding reliability becomes a concern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by laminating glass spacers to glass panes using EVA copolymer, creating a permanent bond that ensures reliability while maintaining transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding method from mechanical (aluminum profiles) to chemical-physical (EVA copolymer lamination), achieving both transparency and reliable bonding
4Illumination intensity
If transparent glass spacers are used instead of aluminum, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but moisture absorption capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the glass spacer system multi-functional by integrating desiccant materials into the spacer structure, allowing the transparent glass components to perform both aesthetic and moisture management functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests desiccant materials within or alongside the glass spacer structure, combining the transparent aesthetic element with the moisture-absorbing functional material
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 maintains stability and prevents condensation, ensuring clear visibility and effective moisture management, while eliminating the visual barrier of metal spacers, allowing for seamless display and storage in deep-freeze environments.
Implementation Method 1
The connection between the glass spacer, preferably a soda-lime glass rod, and the two panes of glass is effected by lamination using ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in film form or granulate form.
Implementation Method 2
This creates a permanent bond, and at the same time prevents a cold bridge.
Implementation Method 3
The air enclosed between the two panes contains moisture, which would condense if the temperature falls below the dew point, as precipitation on the glass panes inside the composite pane. The water-binding material now binds this moisture up to the saturation limit of this material.
Implementation Method 4
The air enclosed between the two panes contains moisture, which would condense if the temperature falls below the dew point, as precipitation on the glass panes inside the composite pane.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to not use, partially or completely, the inner aluminium profile as a spacer in multi-pane doors of refrigerators whilst retaining the required stability and also to replace all other spacers with transparent glass spacer. The invention also relates to methods for the production thereof. The insulating glass elements for the multiple-pane doors with a transparent edge composite for use in shop fittings, refrigerator construction and special cabinet construction, comprise glass spacers (1) between the base disk (4) and the cover disk (4) in the vertical regions of doors and in the upper horizontal region or in both horizontal regions, aluminum or plastic spacers (2), and EVA film sheets (3) between the base disk (4) and the spacers (1, 2) and between the spacers (1, 2) and the cover disk (4), the EVA film sheets (3) are arranged in the four edge regions overlapping the vertical spacers (2) to the horizontal spacers (1). In another embodiment, the EVA film is replaced with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer granulates, which is heated by means of a metering device and is applied in a liquefied form at the desired positions as thread-shaped strips. The crosslinking between the glass and the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer occurs in the lamination oven.