Multi-chamber Translucent Structure for Heat Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing translucent insulated glass units (IGUs) face limitations in energy efficiency and sound isolation due to restricted spacing between glass sheets, inseparability for replacement, poor shock endurance in transportation and installation, high weight and cost, and complex manufacturing and installation processes, leading to inefficiencies and increased material demands.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least four glass sheets joined into two independent IGU modules with 10-1000 mm spacing, filled with air, noble gases, or a partial vacuum, and interconnected by a reinforced thermo-insulation profile frame, allowing for improved sealing and modular design for easier installation and partial repair, along with integrated solar panels and electric heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the spacing between glass sheets is increased to improve heat insulation, then heat transfer resistance increases, but air circulation occurs beyond optimal spacing which results in increased heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large spacing into multiple smaller chambers by introducing additional glass sheets and spacing frames. Instead of having one large air gap that could cause convection, the structure creates multiple smaller sealed chambers (e.g., two chambers of 6-16mm each), preventing air circulation while maintaining overall thickness for insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple glass sheets and spacing frames within each other to create a multi-chamber structure. Each chamber is sealed independently with spacing frames containing drying agents, allowing the system to achieve both large overall spacing for insulation and small individual chamber spacing to prevent convection.
2Reliability
If rigid spacer frames with sealant are used to ensure spacing and sealing, then structural stability is improved, but the unit becomes inseparable and cannot be replaced in service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a permanently fixed sealed structure to a dynamic, separable system. The spacing frames are designed to allow controlled separation and reassembly, enabling maintenance and replacement while maintaining reliable sealing during operation. This dynamic design allows the unit to switch between sealed operational state and open maintenance state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sealed unit into separable components (glass sheets and spacing frames) that can be independently removed and reassembled. The spacing frames are designed with features allowing them to be detached from glass sheets for maintenance, then resealed to restore the sealed chamber configuration.
3Loss of energy
If multiple glass sheets are used to improve energy efficiency, then heat and sound isolation properties are improved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin glass sheets (e.g., 2-6mm thickness) rather than thick heavy glass. The multiple-chamber structure with thin spacers allows achieving high insulation performance with thinner, lighter glass sheets compared to traditional single-thick-glass designs, reducing overall weight while maintaining or improving thermal performance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the spacing frame contains drying agent to prevent condensate buildup, then moisture control is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing frame performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains spacing between glass sheets, provides structural support, creates sealed chambers, and contains the drying agent for moisture control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall structural complexity and cost.
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 configuration enhances heat insulation, reduces convection and noise, prevents condensate buildup, and allows for increased glazing surface area without heat loss, offering improved durability, ease of installation, and reduced energy consumption, while enabling partial replacement and enhanced fire resistance.
Implementation Method 1
sealant hardening at room temperature with low gas permeability
Implementation Method 2
the frame cavity contains a drying agent, absorbing moisture and any other solvent
Implementation Method 3
sealant hardening at room temperature... comprising the following: a) polydiorganosiloxane... b) At least one polymer... c) Polymerizing agent
Data Source
AI summary
Invention pertains to construction and installation methods for construction and renovation of production, public and residential buildings, in particular, to translucent barriers, therein windows, stained glass, glass facing, indoor winter gardens, atriums, clerestories, greenhouses, doors, indoor baffles and other structures both indoor and outdoor. Therein also may be integrated a solar panel, and electric heating elements, dehumidifier.The engineering advantage of the invention is an improved heat insulation design, protection from both outdoor cold and excessive heat from the sun, an improved resistance to fluctuations of temperature, improved noise cancellation, absence of a condensate at the glass surfaces, increased glazing area without traditionally associated heat loss, absence of a freezing of reveals, improved reliability regarding breaking in, reduced integrity loss risk resulting from fire (fire resistance), reduced convection and consequently increased isolation properties due to greater spacing between glass sheets, increased containment, simplicity of installation and replacement (repair) of IGU modules without disruption outer shell of the building (heating contour of the building) due to partial disassembly of the structure, increased resistance to potential impacts in transportation and installation. Translucent structure according to invention contains at least four glass sheets, joined together in at least two independent IGU modules (IGUs), each containing at least two parallel glass sheets distanced 10-1000 mm, the glass sheets in IGUs are glued together by a spacer frame and a sealant, and IGUs themselves are joined together by a thermo insulation reinforced frame, creating a sealed chamber in between IGUs.