Insulating Glass LED Profile Assembly Without Thermal Bridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED-based illuminating glazing systems face challenges in achieving both optimal optical performance and conventional window performance metrics such as thermal and mechanical efficiency, while avoiding the creation of thermal bridges and ensuring durability.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an insulating and illuminating multiple glazing assembly with a lighting system supported by a profile that includes a base with heat dissipation means and a removable PCB device, attached via double-sided adhesive or mechanical means, ensuring no thermal bridges and protecting the diodes from impact and weight, with a design that allows for easy replacement and integration into various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED lighting system is integrated into insulating glazing, then optical performance and energy efficiency are improved, but thermal bridge formation and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into modular components: PCB devices carrying LED strings are separated from the glazing assembly and mounted on external profiles. This allows the glazing to maintain its insulating integrity while the lighting function is provided by attachable modules that can be independently replaced or maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Thermally insulating profiles act as intermediaries between the glazing and the PCB devices. These profiles provide mechanical support and electrical connection pathways while thermally isolating the conductive PCB mounts from the glass edges, preventing thermal bridge formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If PCB devices are directly mounted on glazing edges, then device complexity is reduced, but thermal bridges are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidthermal bridge
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Thermally insulating profiles serve as intermediary elements between the glazing edges and the PCB device mounting points. The profiles are made of thermally insulating materials and include integrated mounting features that attach the PCB devices without creating direct thermal pathways through the glass edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The profiles provide localized thermal insulation at critical mounting points where PCB devices attach to the glazing assembly. The insulating material is concentrated at the interface between the PCB mounts and the glass edges, providing thermal break functionality exactly where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If LED strings are closely positioned to glazing, then illumination intensity is improved, but risk of impact damage and thermal issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight outputVSAvoidimpact damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PCB devices are mounted on profiles that extend perpendicular to the glazing surface, positioning the LED strings in a third dimension away from the glass. This spatial separation reduces impact risk while maintaining illumination effectiveness through proper optical design of the LED arrangement and diffuser elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution provides enhanced optical performance, thermal insulation, and mechanical support without creating thermal bridges, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the LED-based lighting system while maintaining the structural integrity of the glazing.

Implementation Method 1

the profile... comprises heat dissipation means which are associated with the PCB device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an insulating and illuminating multiple glazing... comprising at least a first and second sheets of glass spaced apart from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a lighting system comprising at least one support and electrical connection device called a PCB device carrying light-emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2718530B1Lighting unit made up of an insulating glass panel and light-emitting diodes
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP2718530B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2718530B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2718530B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting unit which includes a glass panel (1) provided with at least two separated sheets of glass (10, 11), a lighting system (2) made up of light-emitting diodes (20) the lighting portion of which is arranged opposite each of the edge surfaces (10A, 11A) of the sheets of glass and supported by at least one profile member (3) combined with at least the edge surface of the glass panel. The profile member (3) is combined with the edge surface of the sheet of glass without creating a heat channel. Said member is applied to the edge surface of the glass panel or is attached to same in a removable manner.