Insulating Glass Unit Valve for Elevation Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulating glass units experience optical distortion and seal stress due to pressure differences between the manufacturing and installation locations, causing glass panes to bow and weaken the seal, which is exacerbated by changes in elevation.
Innovation Solution
The insulating glass units are equipped with features such as a septum or valve that allow adjustment of gas pressure after fabrication, enabling the gas pressure to equalize with the ambient pressure at the installation location, thereby maintaining pane alignment and seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the insulating glass unit is sealed at manufacturing location pressure, then the gas pressure is stable during fabrication, but pressure differences cause glass pane bowing and optical distortion at installation locations with different elevations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a valve mechanism that allows the sealed gas space to dynamically adjust its pressure in response to external pressure changes. The valve enables gas to enter or escape the between-pane space, maintaining pressure equilibrium with the surrounding environment and preventing glass pane bowing while preserving the sealed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the sealed gas by allowing it to equalize with ambient pressure through the valve. This parameter adjustment compensates for elevation-related pressure differences, maintaining glass pane flatness and optical quality across different installation locations.
2Reliability
If the insulating glass unit is sealed hermetically, then the gas pressure is maintained, but pressure differences create tensile stress on the peripheral seal and bending force on the glass
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism provides a controlled pathway for pressure equalization, reducing tensile stress on the peripheral seal and bending forces on the glass panes. The seal remains hermetically intact while the valve allows pressure adjustment to match ambient conditions, preventing stress-related failures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a valve is added to allow pressure adjustment, then pressure equalization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to automatically respond to pressure differences between the sealed gas space and the ambient environment. When external pressure changes, the valve opens or closes based on the pressure differential, enabling self-regulating pressure equalization without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms.
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 maintains the aesthetic appearance and structural integrity of the insulating glass units by adjusting gas pressure to match ambient conditions, reducing optical distortion and seal stress.
Implementation Method 1
the valve can automatically open in response to a pressure differential between the between-pane space and the ambient environment, e.g., allowing the between-pane space to pressure equalize with the ambient environment
Data Source
AI summary
Insulating glass units and techniques for manufacturing insulating glass units are described. In some examples, a manufacturing technique involves filling a between-pane space located between a first glass pane and a second glass pane of an insulating glass unit with an insulative gas to ambient pressure at the location where the insulating glass unit is manufactured. The insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulative gas to be adjusted (increased and/or decreased) after initial fabrication of the insulating glass unit. For example, the insulating glass unit can include one or more features allowing the pressure of the insulating gas to be adjusted from ambient pressure at the location of manufacture to a different ambient pressure corresponding to an elevation where the insulating glass unit is intended to be delivered and installed in a building.