Dynamic Multi-Pane Insulating Assembly for Stable Vacuum Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-pane insulating glass units and vacuum insulating glass units face challenges in maintaining high thermal resistance over their lifetime due to environmental stresses and differential temperature-induced expansion and contraction, leading to reduced vacuum levels and compromised thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic multi-pane insulating assembly system that includes a gas-permeable interior pane, exterior panes with evacuated and pressurized gaps, and a control assembly with pressure sensors and actuators to maintain desired vacuum and pressure levels, ensuring consistent thermal resistance by adjusting the vacuum and pressurized gas levels in response to environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum insulating glass units are used to provide high thermal resistance, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but vacuum level degrades over time due to environmental stresses and temperature-induced expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic control system that actively adjusts vacuum and pressurized gas levels in response to environmental conditions. Pressure sensors monitor the vacuum level in the evacuated gap, and actuators dynamically adjust the vacuum pump and pressurized gas supply to maintain optimal thermal resistance despite temperature variations and environmental stresses over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control through pressure sensors that continuously monitor the vacuum level in the evacuated gap. The sensor signals are fed to a controller that adjusts the vacuum pump and pressurized gas supply accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains consistent thermal resistance by compensating for vacuum degradation caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
2Strength
If spacers are used to maintain gap between panes, then structural support is improved, but thermal short circuit paths are created through the spacers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions spacers specifically at the periphery of the insulating assembly where they are needed for structural support, while the central gap remains free of spacers to minimize thermal bridging. This localized placement of spacers provides necessary structural support at edges while preserving thermal insulation performance in the main insulating area.
3Loss of energy
If multi-pane configuration is used to enhance insulation, then thermal resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into an integrated assembly: the evacuated gap, pressurized gas gap, gas-permeable pane, spacers, and dynamic control system are merged into a single multi-pane insulating unit. This integration maintains high thermal resistance through the multi-gap configuration while managing complexity through unified design and centralized control mechanisms.
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 system effectively maintains high thermal resistance values, such as R-13 or more, by dynamically adjusting vacuum and pressure levels, thereby enhancing the longevity and performance of the insulating assembly under varying internal and external conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an evacuated gap (30) having a predetermined thickness between the interior pane (12) and the first exterior pane (16) into which a vacuum can be drawn
Implementation Method 2
a pressurized gap (32) between the interior pane (12) and the second exterior pane (18) in which a pressurized gas can be maintained
Implementation Method 3
The interior pane (12) can be formed of a substantially transparent material which can comprise a material that is substantially gas permeable
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 an interior pane and first and second exterior panes. The first exterior pane and a first side of the interior pane defines an evacuated gap in communication with a vacuum source and a second side of the interior pane and the second exterior pane defines a pressurized gap in communication with the source of pressurized gas.