Electrostatic Powder Coating for Insulating Glass Screen Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing closing elements with screens, such as those used in insulating glass wings, are laborious, hazardous, and environmentally unfriendly due to the use of solvents and the susceptibility of paint layers to scratches, especially when using screen printing or etching techniques.

Innovation Solution

The method involves applying an electrostatically charged powder coating directly onto the intermediate element between the panes, eliminating the need for solvents and reducing curing time, allowing for quicker assembly and providing enhanced protection against damage by internal arrangement of the screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screen printing or etching techniques are used to produce the screen, then the screen can be applied to the pane, but the paint layer becomes prone to scratches and the process becomes laborious and hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescratch resistance of screenVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and hazard level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and application method of the coating material from liquid paint to powder coating. This parameter change enables the screen to be applied as a powder layer that is subsequently cured, resulting in a more durable and scratch-resistant finish while eliminating the hazards associated with liquid paint application and solvent use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical screen printing process with an electrostatic powder coating system. Instead of forcing liquid paint through a sieve mechanically, the system uses electrostatic fields to attract and deposit powder particles onto the pane surface, eliminating the need for sieves and reducing the mechanical complexity and hazards of the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If paint is applied to the screen and allowed to harden, then the screen is formed, but solvents are released polluting the environment and curing time delays assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental friendliness and assembly speedVSAvoidsolvent pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for solvents entirely by using a powder coating system. The powder coating process uses no liquid carriers or solvents that would need to evaporate and pollute the environment. This eliminates harmful emissions and makes the process environmentally friendly while also eliminating the curing time delay associated with paint hardening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition from solid powder to solid coating through heating and curing. The powder coating is applied in solid form and then transformed through heating to form the final durable screen layer, eliminating the liquid-to-solid transition that releases solvents in traditional paint applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Reliability

If the screen is arranged on the outwardly directed surface of the pane, then it is visible, but it is more susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of screen from damageVSAvoidsurface flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the screen on the inwardly directed surface of the pane rather than the outwardly directed surface. This inversion protects the screen from external damage while maintaining its visual function, as the screen is still visible through the transparent pane from the outside.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This approach enables a simple, quick, and environmentally friendly production of closing elements with screens, ensuring a flat and protected surface while maintaining high strength and allowing for immediate further processing after cooling.

Implementation Method 1

The powdery raw material is electrostatically charged in a device suitable for this purpose, after which the raw material pretreated in this way is attracted to the surface of the disk and settles there evenly.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic deposition: Electrostatic Deposition

Implementation Method 2

The pane, together with the powdered raw material placed on it, is then heated (up to approx. 200°C), causing the material to melt and form a permanent coating that is baked into the surface of the pane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP1845228B1Finishing element and method for manufacturing a finishing element

Publication Date: 2015.09.09 GEZE GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The element (1) has a screen (6) formed as electrostatically powder coating above an intermediate element, where screen covers the intermediate element in a colored manner. The connection between the intermediate element and the disks (2,3) is formed as an adhesion (7). The intermediate element of the screen is arranged at that turned surface of the disk. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a conclusion element.