Multi-Chamber Gas-Filled Panel Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-filled building panels experience significant buckling due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to air pressure equalization issues and mechanical/esthetic problems, particularly in translucent or transparent panels where traditional solutions fail to maintain panel flatness and gas retention.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber gas-filled building panel design featuring parallel glass plates with insulation gas chambers separated by thin, transparent polymer foils and an air-filled chamber connected to the surrounding air through openings for pressure equalization, using gas-impermeable dividers and spacers to manage expansion and contraction while maintaining panel flatness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If gas-filled panels are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but buckling occurs during thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gas-filled panel into multiple chambers separated by dividers. This segmentation allows each chamber to expand and contract independently, distributing the thermal stress and preventing buckling of the entire panel while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air-filled chambers as intermediary elements between the gas-filled insulation chambers and the external environment. These air chambers act as buffer zones that absorb volumetric changes during thermal expansion and contraction, protecting the insulation gas chambers from pressure-induced buckling.
2Loss of energy
If gas-filled panels are used for thermal insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but gas sealing becomes problematic during dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the insulation system into multiple sealed gas chambers separated by dividers, the patent ensures that each chamber maintains its own gas seal independently. This segmentation prevents gas leakage from propagating across the entire panel while allowing controlled pressure equalization through the air chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-filled chambers serve as intermediary pressure equalization zones that allow controlled gas exchange without compromising the sealed insulation gas chambers. This intermediary system maintains gas sealing reliability by providing a buffer that absorbs pressure changes without directly exposing the insulation gas to external pressure variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional panel designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but air pressure equalization during thermal dynamics is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel into distinct functional zones (gas-filled chambers, air-filled chambers, and divider regions) that can be manufactured and assembled using standard insulation glass technology. This segmentation allows for straightforward fabrication of each component while achieving complex pressure equalization functionality through their combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividers and spacers in the patent serve multiple functions: they separate gas chambers, provide structural support, enable pressure equalization, and maintain panel geometry. This multi-functionality achieves air pressure equalization during thermal dynamics without requiring separate dedicated components, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 prevents buckling by allowing for volumetric expansion and contraction of insulation gas, ensuring the panels remain flat across varying temperatures, addressing both mechanical and aesthetic concerns while maintaining gas retention and air pressure balance.
Implementation Method 1
During volumetric air expansion due to heat gain and/or loss present solutions do not have mechanism to compensate for heat contraction and expansion
Implementation Method 2
During volumetric air expansion due to heat gain and/or loss present solutions do not have mechanism to compensate for heat contraction and expansion
Implementation Method 3
Thermal insulation of buildings is important in achieving reduction of energy use. Having need for effective thermal insulation corresponded to need for insulation systems with low thermal conductivity
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Multi Chamber gas filled building panel is structured of essentially plan parallel inner (1) and outer (2) plate (fig. 1). Between the plates preferably of glass (1) and (2) there is at least one Chamber (3) filled with insulation glass, said Chambers (in case of plurality thereof) divided between themselves using dividers (4) usually manufactured of transparent polymer foils. The building panel according to this invention in addition features at least one air filled Chamber (5) which is connected to surrounding air via opening (6) enabling inner Volumetrie expansion and contraction of insulation gas.