Moulded Border Encasing Thermal Insulation for Pane Edge Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulated glass units and other delicate panes fail when exposed to harsh climate conditions due to thermal stress at the edges of the pane elements, where temperature gradients cause different expansion rates, leading to stress and reduced lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A pane module with a moulded border element that encases a thermal insulating element along the edges, reducing thermal gradients and protecting the spacer members, which can be made from various materials like thermoplastic or mineral wool, and includes stiffening and connector elements for added strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a vacuum insulated glass unit is used to improve insulation performance, then thermal insulation is improved, but the pane fails under harsh climate conditions due to thermal stress at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing thermal insulating elements specifically at the edges and corners of the vacuum insulated glass unit, where thermal stress concentrates. This localized insulation approach addresses the specific problem area (edge thermal stress) without requiring complete insulation of the entire pane, thus maintaining reliability while improving thermal performance at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing thermal insulating elements and protective border structures before the vacuum insulated glass unit is exposed to harsh climate conditions. These elements act as preventive measures that cushion the pane against thermal stress and mechanical damage before failures can occur, thereby improving reliability without compromising the vacuum insulation performance.
2Strength
If the border element is made from sheet metal to provide structural support, then strength is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to thermal bridging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining sheet metal border elements with thermal insulating materials. The border structure consists of a metal framework providing mechanical strength, filled and surrounded by thermal insulating elements (such as foam or fibrous insulation). This composite construction maintains the structural support function of the metal while eliminating thermal bridging through the insulating material, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal insulation performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spacer members are used to maintain the space between sheet elements, then structural stability is improved, but thermal stress at edges increases causing pane failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning thermal insulating elements specifically at the edges and corners where spacer members are located. This targeted insulation approach addresses the thermal stress concentration at spacer locations without affecting the overall space-maintaining function of the spacers. The insulating elements wrap around or are integrated with the spacer members, reducing thermal stress locally while preserving structural stability.
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 significantly reduces pane failures by minimizing thermal stress and providing enhanced protection and insulation, allowing the pane module to perform better across a wider range of climate zones and applications.
Implementation Method 1
Providing thermal insulation along edges of the pane element, locally reduces the thermal coefficient at these edges
Implementation Method 2
The temperature gradient between inner sheet and outer sheet causes the sheets to expand with different rates. This introduces stress in the edges
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pane module adapted to be installed on a window frame and comprising a two-sheet pane element and a border element, which surrounds the pane element, extending along at least some of its outer sides. The border element is made by moulding and attached to the pane element during the moulding process, and the pane module further comprises a thermal insulating element, which is encased in the border element and extends along at least some of the outer sides of the pane element. The insulating element is arranged on the interior and/or exterior side of the pane element and covers the spacer member when seen perpendicular to the interior and/or exterior side of the pane element. The invention also relates to a method for making such a pane module.