Multifunctional Glass Element in Curtain Wall
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curtain walls lack variability and additional functionalities, with glass elements typically fixed in a framework, limiting their adaptability and functionality, especially in terms of light control, heating, and multimedia integration.
Innovation Solution
A building envelope with a frame construction featuring a multifunctional glass element positioned behind the main heat-insulating plane, allowing for vertical and horizontal movement, incorporating anti-glare protection, heating, integrated LEDs for lighting, information systems, cameras, and loudspeakers, with the ability to combine multiple functions in a single or multiple glass panes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If glass elements are fixed in a framework as in conventional curtain walls, then structural stability is maintained, but variability and additional functionalities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element is made movable within the framework, allowing it to be positioned in different locations (e.g., at different heights or angles) to provide varying functionalities such as sunlight control, viewing angles, and cleaning access, while still being constrained by the framework when needed for stability
Solution Approach 2:
The glass element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a transparent panel for sunlight transmission, can be tilted for cleaning access, can be positioned to control glare, and can accommodate integrated technologies like heating elements or displays, replacing multiple separate components
2Ease of operation
If the multifunctional glass element is positioned on the outer side of the curtain wall, then functionality is maximized, but cleaning and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element can be dynamically repositioned from an outer position (exposed to weather but providing functionality) to an inner position (protected from weather and accessible for cleaning/repair), allowing it to switch between operational and maintenance states
Solution Approach 2:
The framework acts as an intermediary structure that allows the glass element to be moved between positions, providing both weather protection when the element is inner and accessibility when needed for maintenance
3Illumination intensity
If anti-glare protection is added to the glass element, then light control is improved, but heat insulation performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glass element can change its optical parameters dynamically - switching between transparent and anti-glare states - allowing it to optimize both light control and heat insulation performance based on environmental conditions and user needs
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
Enhances variability and functionality, reduces cleaning effort, and maintains a weather-protected position for the glass elements, while allowing for flexible configuration and improved passive solar energy utilization without hindering heat insulation.
Implementation Method 1
anti-glare protection in the form of modifiable or switchable layers
Implementation Method 2
heating capacity at least in sections
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain wall having a frame construction with a plurality of glass elements and optionally panels arranged at a distance from each other in a heat flow direction, wherein a multifunctional glass element is arranged on a room side behind a main heat-insulating plane of the curtain wall, wherein the position of the multifunctional glass element can be modified in a vertical direction and/or a horizontal direction and the multifunctional glass element has at least two of the functions selected from the following list: (A) anti-glare protection in a form of modifiable or switchable layers, (B) heating capacity at least in section, (C) a configuration with integrated LEDs as room lighting, (D) a configuration as an information system, particularly as a screen, at least in sections, (E) a configuration with at least one integrated camera, and (F) a configuration with at least one integrated loudspeaker.