Rigid Spacer Frame Segmentation for Insulating Glass Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing and applying rigid spacer frames in insulating glass production face challenges with large frames, particularly in handling, transportation, and application, especially when the glass sheets have geometric defects.

Innovation Solution

A process and apparatus for constructing and applying a rigid spacer frame that allows for the assembly of segments directly on the insulating glass production line, using a movable support and references to accommodate geometric errors in the glass sheets, ensuring proper secondary sealing depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid spacer profiles are used to reduce heat transmission coefficient, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but handling and transportation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidhandling and transportation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid spacer frame is divided into multiple segments that can be separately handled and transported. These segments are then assembled on-site to form the complete frame, reducing the difficulty of handling while maintaining the thermal insulation performance of the rigid material structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a movable support system that can dynamically adjust to accommodate the rigid spacer frame during application. This dynamic support mechanism facilitates easier handling and positioning of the rigid frame on glass sheets without compromising its structural integrity or thermal insulation properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If spacer frame dimensions are increased for large windows, then application area is improved, but handling and transportation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication areaVSAvoidhandling and transportation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Large spacer frames are segmented into smaller, more manageable sections that can be easily transported and handled. These segments are subsequently assembled on the glass sheet to form the complete large-dimensional frame, enabling coverage of large window areas while avoiding the handling difficulties of monolithic large frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from transporting complete large frames in three dimensions to transporting segmented frames that are assembled in-place. This dimensional change in the assembly process reduces transportation complexity while achieving the required large application area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If spacer profile thickness is reduced to reduce heat transmission, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulation performanceVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The reduced-thickness spacer profile is divided into segments that can be supported by a movable support system during assembly. This segmentation allows the use of thinner, better-insulating profiles while the support system provides the necessary mechanical strength during handling and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movable support system acts as an intermediary between the thin spacer segments and the final installed structure. This intermediary provides temporary mechanical support during assembly, enabling the use of reduced-thickness profiles for improved thermal insulation while compensating for their lower inherent mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If manual assembly operations are introduced to avoid bending machines, then equipment complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment complexityVSAvoidassembly productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a movable support system that dynamically assists the manual assembly process. This dynamic support reduces the physical effort and time required for manual segment assembly, thereby maintaining productivity levels despite the elimination of complex bending machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250034934A1Process and apparatus for the construction and application of a rigid spacer frame for insulating glass

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 FOREL SPA

AI summary

A process for the construction and application of a rigid spacer frame for insulating glass involves preparing segments of the rigid spacer frame, applying a butyl sealant to sides of the segments facing in use glass sheets, storing the segments at a warehouse, assembling the segments to form the rigid spacer frame at an apparatus for the construction and application of the spacer frame, the apparatus having a support movable in vertical direction between a lowered assembly start position and a raised assembly end position and arranged with references for the segments. The process further involves positioning the movable support at a height so as to allow positioning of the rigid spacer frame at a surface of a glass sheet arranged on a support surface of the apparatus, and positioning the rigid spacer frame at the surface of the glass sheet.