Insulating Glass Element with Magnetic Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating glass elements with blackout units face challenges in thermal insulation, particularly when exposed to intense sunlight, as conventional shading devices either disrupt the building's appearance or are difficult to integrate, and existing drive arrangements are often specific to edge connection systems.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field coupling is used to transmit torque from an external drive to a darkening unit within the insulating glass element, allowing for independent operation of blinds between glass panes without external cables or cords, compatible with various edge connection systems, and featuring a gear system with planetary gears for efficient torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional shading devices (awnings, roller shutters, slat blinds) are used to block heat radiation, then thermal insulation is improved, but the building appearance is adversely affected or integration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blind is nested within the intermediate space between the glass panes of the insulating glass element, making it an integrated part of the window structure rather than an external attachment. This eliminates the need for separate shading devices that would affect building appearance while maintaining thermal insulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field coupling acts as an intermediary to transmit drive force from the exterior through the glass panes to the blind mechanism inside the intermediate space, enabling control of the integrated blind without requiring physical connections that would compromise the glass structure or building appearance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a drive arrangement is designed for a specific edge connection system, then the drive can be integrated, but adaptability to different edge connection systems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive arrangement uses a magnetic field coupling mechanism that can transmit torque through different glass pane configurations and edge connection systems, making it universally applicable to various insulating glass element designs without requiring system-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical drive connection is replaced with a magnetic field coupling system, eliminating the need for direct mechanical attachment to the edge connection system. This allows the drive to function with different edge connection types while maintaining reliable torque transmission to the blind mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blackout units are arranged in the intermediate space, then shading function is improved, but the space between glass panes must be sealed against moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The blind mechanism is extracted from the exterior and placed within the sealed intermediate space, while the drive mechanism remains exterior. The magnetic field coupling transmits force through the glass without requiring openings in the seal, maintaining the moisture barrier while enabling blind operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits drive force through the glass panes without requiring physical penetration of the seal. This allows the blind to be operated from the exterior while maintaining the integrity of the moisture seal around the glass panes.
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 effective shading while maintaining the integrity of the insulating glass unit, reducing energy transmittance and eliminating potential weak points, allowing for seamless integration and operation of blinds across different edge connection systems without compromising the unit's tightness.
Implementation Method 1
The torque generated by the drive for driving the darkening unit down and up is transmitted by means of a magnetic field coupling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The element (1) has glass panes (2-4) i.e. three-fold glass panes, arranged adjacent to each other and surrounded by an edge bond mounting (7) under formation of an intermediate chamber (5). A blind unit (8) e.g. Venetian blind, sunblind, roller blind or curtain, is arranged in the intermediate chamber between the glass panes, and is liftable and/or lowerable by a drive (9) e.g. electromagnet. The drive is effectively connected with the blind unit outside of the element, where transmission of torque generated by the drive is taken place by a magnetic field coupling.