Insulating Glass Spacer with Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulating glass units face challenges with pressure differentials during transportation and installation, leading to potential glass breakage and seal failure, especially in mountainous areas, due to pressure fluctuations and condensation issues, which are exacerbated by the need for larger spaces between panes for architectural and thermal insulation purposes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pane element with a spacer frame containing desiccant and a pressure equalization system, featuring a capillary tube with a small inner diameter and a hydrophobic filter, allows for controlled pressure equalization and reduced moisture ingress, enabling larger spaces between panes while maintaining dryness and reducing maintenance efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the space between panes is increased for thermal insulation and architectural purposes, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but pressure differential stress on seals and glass increases leading to potential breakage and seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer frame is divided into multiple sections: a first section containing desiccant for moisture absorption, a second section with an opening for pressure equalization, and a third section for sealing. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, managing both moisture and pressure differentials in large cavity units.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophobic filter is introduced as an intermediary component in the pressure equalization opening. This filter allows pressure equalization to occur while blocking moisture ingress, serving as a mediator between the need for pressure relief and the need to maintain a dry sealed environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If desiccant is used to prevent condensation in sealed units, then condensation prevention is improved, but moisture can still ingress through pressure equalization tubes saturating the desiccant
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the spacer frame have different properties: the first section contains desiccant for moisture absorption, the second section has an opening with a hydrophobic filter for pressure equalization, and the third section provides sealing. This local differentiation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic filter acts as an intermediary that permits pressure equalization while preventing moisture passage. It mediates between the need for pressure relief and the need to protect the desiccant from saturation, allowing the desiccant to remain effective for the lifetime of the unit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If small diameter tubes are used for pressure equalization, then moisture ingress is reduced, but pressure equalization effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the second section of the spacer frame has dimensions specifically optimized to balance two competing requirements: it is large enough to allow effective pressure equalization but small enough to limit moisture ingress. The hydrophobic filter further refines this parameter control by allowing gas passage while blocking liquid moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic filter serves as a mediator that enables pressure equalization through its porous structure while its hydrophobic properties prevent moisture passage. It reconciles the conflicting requirements of maintaining open airflow for pressure equalization while minimizing moisture ingress.
4Temperature
If thick glass units are manufactured with large gaps, then thermal insulation is improved, but pressure changes cause glass breakage due to larger air volume expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization opening in the spacer frame provides a pre-established pathway for pressure equalization before thermal expansion occurs. This preliminary pressure management mechanism prevents dangerous pressure differentials from developing during temperature changes, protecting the thick glass panes from stress-induced breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer frame is segmented into functional sections that collectively manage both moisture and pressure. The second section with its pressure equalization opening specifically addresses the pressure management needs of large cavity units, allowing the overall system to support thicker glass with larger gaps for improved insulation.
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 effectively manages pressure fluctuations and prevents condensation, extending the service life of insulating glass units by keeping the space between panes dry for up to 30 years, reducing stress on seals and glass, and allowing for larger pane spacings without increased risk of breakage or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The spacer frame (3) has one or more cavities (5) and/or openings which are filled with a desiccant (6)
Implementation Method 2
The standard in North America is a 12-inch (approximately 30 cm) stainless steel tube with an inner diameter of 0.020 inches (approximately 0.05 cm) that is inserted through the circumferential seal to create a controlled airflow path
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic filter, allows for controlled pressure equalization and reduced moisture ingress
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-layer element (22) comprising at least two preferably parallel surface elements (1, 2), a circumferential spacer frame (3) to which the at least two surface elements (1, 2) are preferably connected in an airtight and vapor-tight manner, and a pressure equalization system (8) for the space (7) of the multi-layer element (22). According to the invention, the at least two surface elements (1, 2) are connected to the circumferential spacer frame (3) such that the distance between the surface elements (1, 2) is at least 50 mm, and the spacer frame (3) has an airtight and vapor-tight closable opening through which access is possible to components or parts optionally provided in the space (7) enclosed by the surface elements (1, 2) and the spacer frame (3).