Polymeric Glazing Spacer Structure Balancing Heat and Fracture Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacers for insulating glazings face challenges in achieving low thermal conductivity while maintaining high fracture strength and mechanical stability, with foamed polymeric spacers compromising on elasticity and fracture behavior.
Innovation Solution
A spacer design with a polymeric main body featuring rounded corners and angled sections, combined with a foamed structure, enhances mechanical stability and fracture properties, and includes a gas-tight barrier film for improved thermal insulation and gas tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spacers are made of light metal (aluminum) for ease of processing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal conductivity increases causing cold edge effect
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer uses a composite structure combining polymeric material with metallic or ceramic insulation layers. The polymeric base provides ease of processing and forming, while the metallic/ceramic layers embedded within provide thermal insulation, creating a composite that balances manufacturability with thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer incorporates a porous polymeric structure with closed cells containing insulating gas. This porous architecture reduces thermal conductivity by introducing air gaps that impede heat transfer, while maintaining the polymeric material's ease of extrusion and forming capabilities.
2Temperature
If spacers are made of plastic for reduced thermal conductivity, then thermal insulation is improved, but gas tightness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer combines polymeric material with metallic or ceramic barrier layers to create a composite structure. The polymeric matrix provides thermal insulation and flexibility, while the metallic/ceramic layers provide impermeability to gas and moisture vapor, achieving both thermal performance and gas tightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer applies different material properties to different regions: the bulk polymeric structure provides thermal insulation where needed, while metallic/ceramic layers are strategically positioned at critical areas requiring gas tightness, such as the inner surface facing the glazing cavity and connection regions.
3Temperature
If foamed polymeric spacers are used to reduce thermal conductivity, then thermal insulation is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to loss of elasticity and fracture strength
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer uses a composite of foamed polymeric material with metallic or ceramic reinforcement layers. The foamed polymer provides thermal insulation through its cellular structure, while the metallic/ceramic layers provide structural strength and fracture resistance, compensating for the weakened mechanical properties of the foamed material.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer concentrates the foamed polymeric structure in regions where thermal insulation is most needed (the bulk volume), while placing solid metallic/ceramic reinforcement layers at critical structural locations such as corners, edges, and connection points where fracture strength and elasticity are required.
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 spacer achieves reduced thermal conductivity, improved mechanical stability, and enhanced fracture strength, while allowing for uniform cooling and efficient moisture absorption, thereby preventing condensation and ensuring secure bonding of panes.
Implementation Method 1
The insulation film contains a polymeric film and at least two metallic or ceramic layers, which are arranged alternatingly with at least one polymeric layer
Implementation Method 2
The insulation film contains a polymeric film and at least two metallic or ceramic layers
Implementation Method 3
To absorb the residual moisture remaining in the system after assembly, desiccant-filled hollow-body spacers can be used
Implementation Method 4
WO 2021/008951 A1 describes a hollow profile spacer with insulation film, wherein the insulation film includes at least one foamed polymer layer and at least one barrier layer
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer for insulating glazings includes a polymeric main body including first and second pane contact surfaces, a glazing interior surface, an outer surface and a hollow chamber. The first and second pane contact surfaces run opposite one another and parallel to one another. The glazing interior surface and the outer surface are connected to one another via the first pane contact surface and the second pane contact surface. The hollow chamber is enclosed by the glazing interior surface, the outer surface, the first pane contact surface, and the second pane contact surface. The outer surface has a first angled section adjacent the first pane contact surface and a second angled section adjacent the second pane contact surface. Each of the first and second angled sections assume an angle α of 120° to 150° relative to the respective adjacent first pane contact surface and second pane contact surface.