Spacer Profile Sealing Element Prevents PIB Creep
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing spacer profiles in insulating glass units (IGUs) face challenges with polyisobutylene (PIB) creep, where the primary sealant leaks into the visible area due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to aesthetic issues and potential gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
A spacer profile with a sealing element in the form of an elongated appendix is introduced. This appendix is positioned on or adjacent to the outer surface of the spacer body, extending outwardly and forming an angle with the side wall to prevent PIB from entering the interior space of the IGU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is provided in the spacer between the PIB and the interior of the IG unit to serve as a reservoir, then the PIB creep is reduced, but the profile complexity increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the main spacer body and implemented by a separate sealing element (elongated appendix) that can be attached to the spacer profile. This allows the reservoir function to be provided without modifying the main profile structure, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the PIB sealant and the IG unit interior. This sealing element acts as a barrier that prevents PIB from creeping into the visible area, solving the sealing problem without requiring complex profile modifications.
2Reliability
If the reservoir size is increased to prevent PIB creep, then the sealing performance is improved, but the profile complexity and production errors risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir function is extracted from the main spacer body and implemented by a separate sealing element. This allows the sealing capacity to be increased without complicating the main profile structure, as the sealing element can be designed independently with appropriate dimensions and attachment methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If mechanical support is applied to the sides of the spacer profile during bending to prevent width enlargement, then the bending precision is improved, but cracks, pores or wrinkles are forced inwardly creating channels for PIB leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to cover and seal over the cracks, pores, or wrinkles that are inevitably created during the bending process. By positioning the sealing element to extend across these defect areas, the harmful effects of bending-induced imperfections are converted into a sealed system where the defects are contained and cannot serve as leakage channels.
4Shape
If the sealing element is positioned to effectively prevent PIB creep, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the main spacer profile and implemented by a separate elongated appendix or sealing element. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be positioned precisely for aesthetic purposes while being produced and attached separately, thereby reducing the complexity of integrating sealing functionality into the main profile manufacturing process.
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 proposed solution effectively reduces the risk of PIB creep into the visible area of the IGU, maintaining a tight seal and preventing gas leakage, while also improving the aesthetic appeal by keeping the sealant out of sight.
Implementation Method 1
A spacer profile with a sealing element in the form of an elongated appendix is introduced. This appendix is positioned on or adjacent to the outer surface of the spacer body, extending outwardly and forming an angle with the side wall to prevent PIB from entering the interior space of the IGU.
Implementation Method 2
The proposed solution effectively reduces the risk of PIB creep into the visible area of the IGU, maintaining a tight seal and preventing gas leakage, while also improving the aesthetic appeal by keeping the sealant out of sight.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
A spacer profile (1) extending in a longitudinal direction Z and comprising a spacer body (10), where said spacer body (10) comprises an inner wall (11) being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, an outer wall (12) and two side walls (13, 14) and two outer connection walls (15, 16), the inner wall (11), the outer wall (12), the two side walls (13,14) and the two outer connection walls together forming a chamber (50) suitable for a desiccant. The spacer profile (1) further comprises a sealing element (100) for keeping the primary sealant out of the intervening space in an insulating glass unit. The sealing element is in form of an elongated appendix and being part of the profile body.