Insulating glass elements for multiple-pane doors with a transparent edge seal and method for producing the insulating glass elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-pane door manufacturing processes for refrigerated cabinets and display cases are complex, leading to instability, limited use, and issues with ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film tapes emerging uncontrollably between glass plates, causing undefined results and requiring time-consuming reworking.

Innovation Solution

The use of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer laminating layers between glass spacers and panes, with spacers set back from the edge of the panes, allowing for a defined finish and preventing the copolymer from protruding, combined with a simplified production method using a laminating layer to create a stable and reliable multi-pane door with transparent edge connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If glass spacers are arranged flush with the glass panels, then the structure appears clean and simple, but the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer protrudes uncontrollably between the glass panels and the glass spacer, leading to undefined results and requiring time-consuming reworking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidcopolymer edge control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The glass spacers are pre-positioned at a specific setback distance (0.5-1.5 mm) from the glass panel edges before the lamination process. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is applied and heated, it will not protrude beyond the glass panel edges, eliminating the need for post-processing rework while maintaining a clean appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies a localized setback distance specifically at the corner regions where glass spacers meet, rather than uniformly across the entire panel. This localized adjustment at critical areas (corners and edges) provides precise control over copolymer flow and positioning without affecting the overall simplicity of the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If a complex manufacturing process is used with multiple loose elements, then individual stability during assembly might be improved, but the process becomes complicated, elements shift during transport and placement in the lamination oven, and applications are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement stability during assemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functions into the glass spacer elements themselves. The spacers serve both as structural support elements and as positioning references for the copolymer application. By integrating these functions into single components rather than using separate loose elements, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining stability during transport and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The glass spacers are designed to perform multiple functions: providing structural support between glass panels, defining the copolymer application area, and serving as positioning references during assembly and lamination. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining element stability.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If spacers are set back from the edge by 0.5-1.5 mm, then the copolymer finish is defined and clean, but additional manufacturing steps for precise positioning are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge finish precisionVSAvoidpositioning process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The glass spacers are pre-positioned at the exact setback distance (0.5-1.5 mm) from the glass panel edges before copolymer application. This preliminary positioning action ensures precise edge finish control is achieved as part of the assembly process itself, rather than requiring separate post-processing steps to trim or adjust the copolymer edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach results in a stable, universally applicable multi-pane door with reduced manufacturing complexity, eliminating the need for reworking and ensuring precise production of high-quality insulating glass elements with enhanced sealing and moisture control, suitable for winter gardens, shop fitting, and refrigerated cabinets.

Implementation Method 1

The composite is based on a crystal-clear, three-dimensional cross-linking. Such glass doors can be used in freezer compartments without any problems.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the lamination process takes place at approximately 135 degrees Celsius in a laminating oven

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

The air trapped between the two panes contains moisture, which would condense as precipitation on the glass panes inside the pane if the temperature fell below the dew point. The water-binding material then binds this moisture, up to the material's saturation limit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

The air trapped between the two panes contains moisture, which would condense as precipitation on the glass panes inside the pane if the temperature fell below the dew point.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3803016B1Insulating glass elements for multiple-pane doors with a transparent edge seal and method for producing the insulating glass elements
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 PFALTZ DIETER
  • EP3803016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3803016B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3803016B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The insulating glass element according to the invention, when used as defined, allows the manufacture of multi-pane doors with a transparent edge seal for use in sunrooms, shop fittings, refrigeration equipment and special display case construction. For this purpose, glass spacers are arranged between a base pane and a cover pane in the vertical edge region or lateral edge region of the door and in the upper horizontal or transverse edge region or aluminum or plastic spacers are arranged in the lower edge region or in both horizontal or transverse edge regions, the vertical or lateral glass spacers are set back from the pane edge of the base pane and the cover pane by between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, most preferably 1 mm, and the horizontal or transverse glass spacers or aluminum or plastic spacers are arranged between the vertical or lateral glass spacers or above or below the transverse ends of the vertical or lateral glass spacers.