Dynamic Multi-Pane Insulating Assembly for Stable Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating glass units (IGUs) and vacuum insulating glass units (VIGUs) face challenges in maintaining high thermal resistance over their lifetime due to environmental stresses and differential pane expansion, which can lead to thermal short circuits and reduced insulating performance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly with gas permeable panes and pressurized gaps, coupled with a control system that maintains desired vacuum and pressure levels using vacuum and pressurized gas sources, to dynamically adjust and stabilize thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum levels are increased to maintain thermal resistance, then insulating performance is improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to differential pane expansion and environmental stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spacer assembly movable rather than fixed. The spacer can dynamically adjust its position and configuration in response to thermal expansion and environmental stresses, allowing the vacuum insulating glass unit to maintain both high thermal resistance and structural stability throughout its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the spacer assembly to change its physical state and position based on temperature and pressure variations. This dynamic adjustment of spacer parameters compensates for differential pane expansion and maintains the vacuum seal integrity, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high vacuum levels and accommodating structural changes.
2Strength
If rigid spacers are used to maintain gap between panes, then structural support is improved, but thermal resistance deteriorates due to thermal conduction through spacers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining different materials with complementary properties in the spacer assembly. The spacer includes a resilient portion made of a first material and a gas permeable portion made of a second material, creating a composite structure that provides both structural support and thermal insulation, thereby eliminating the thermal conduction problem while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional properties to different portions of the spacer assembly. The resilient portion provides structural support and flexibility, while the gas permeable portion provides thermal insulation and vacuum seal integrity. This localized differentiation of material properties allows the spacer to simultaneously address both structural and thermal requirements.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum level is increased to reduce heat transfer, then energy efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to higher vacuum requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the spacer assembly to automatically maintain the vacuum seal without requiring complex external vacuum maintenance systems. The gas permeable portion of the spacer self-regulates to maintain vacuum integrity while accommodating pressure differentials, thereby achieving high energy efficiency without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the spacer assembly as an intermediary component that mediates between the vacuum environment and the external atmosphere. The gas permeable portion of the spacer acts as a selective barrier that maintains vacuum levels for reduced heat transfer while managing the pressure differential through its resilient design, thus achieving energy efficiency with controlled complexity.
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 assembly effectively maintains high thermal resistance by minimizing convective and conductive heat transfer, ensuring consistent performance despite environmental changes and stresses, with R-values up to R-13 or more.
Implementation Method 1
The first exterior pane is spaced from the first vacuum pane and defines a first pressurized gap between the first gas permeable pane and the first exterior pane. Similarly, the second exterior pane is spaced from the second vacuum pane and defines a second pressurized gap between the second gas permeable pane and the second exterior pane.
Implementation Method 2
an evacuated gap having a predetermined thickness is defined between the first and second gas permeable panes into which a vacuum can be drawn
Implementation Method 3
The source of pressurized gas is placed in communication with the respective first and second pressurized gaps to pressurize the gas within the respective first and second pressurized gaps to a desired set level, which is greater than or equal to a barometric pressure of the environment
Implementation Method 4
The assembly effectively maintains high thermal resistance by minimizing convective and conductive heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly and system including methods for dynamically maintaining the thermal resistance value of the assembly and system. The dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly and system includes first and second gas permeable panes defining an evacuated gap in communication with a vacuum source; a first exterior pane spaced from the first gas permeable pane defining a first pressurized gap in communication with a source of pressurized gas; and a second exterior pane spaced from the second gas permeable pane defining a second pressurized gap in communication with the source of pressurized gas.