Dynamic Multi-Pane Insulating Assembly for Stable Vacuum 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 temperature expansion, leading to thermal short circuits and reduced insulating performance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly with gas permeable and exterior panes, utilizing a vacuum source and pressurized gas sources, along with a control assembly to maintain desired vacuum and pressure levels in the gaps, ensuring continuous thermal resistance through adjustable gas permeation and pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum levels are increased to improve thermal resistance, then insulating performance improves, but maintaining the vacuum level over time becomes more difficult due to environmental stresses and gas permeation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vacuum level adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change vacuum levels in response to environmental conditions, allowing optimization of thermal resistance while managing the challenges of vacuum maintenance over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vacuum parameter from a static value to a dynamically adjustable one. By controlling vacuum levels within a range (from about 760 torr to about 10^-4 torr or lower), the system can optimize thermal performance while accounting for gas permeation and environmental stresses.
2Strength
If spacers are used to maintain gap between panes, then structural support is provided, but thermal short circuits occur at spacer locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the spacer material thermally insulating rather than conductive. The spacer is configured to provide structural support while minimizing thermal bridging, creating different local properties (structural vs. thermal) in different regions of the spacer.
3Reliability
If glass panes are sealed to isolate evacuated volume, then vacuum is maintained, but differential temperature expansion causes stress and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing approach from rigid to flexible, allowing the seal to accommodate dimensional changes. The flexible seal can deform to relieve stress caused by differential thermal expansion between glass panes while maintaining vacuum containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accounts for thermal expansion by using materials and designs that can accommodate dimensional changes. The flexible seal and spacer configuration allow for expansion and contraction of glass panes due to temperature differentials without causing stress concentration or seal failure.
4Loss of energy
If dynamic control of vacuum and pressure levels is implemented, then thermal resistance is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust vacuum and pressure levels without continuous external control. The dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly can self-regulate its thermal performance in response to environmental conditions, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
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 dynamically adjusting vacuum and pressure levels, minimizing heat transfer and ensuring long-term insulating performance despite environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
In VIGUs, the gap is 'filled' with or contains a reduced-pressure atmosphere or a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
a first gas permeable pane; a second gas permeable pane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
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.