Spring Elements Bias Internal Divider in Insulated Glass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal grids in insulated glass assemblies can cause heat loss, stress points in glass, and undesirable rattling during high winds due to contact between muntin bars and panes, which complicates cleaning and durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating spring elements between the internal divider and the panes of an insulated glass assembly to bias the divider away from contact with the panes, reducing heat transfer and preventing rattling through the use of low thermal conductivity materials and specific spring configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If internal metal muntin bars are used in insulated glass assemblies, then the aesthetic appeal of divided light windows is achieved, but heat loss occurs through the metal bars

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearance of divided light windowVSAvoidheat loss through metal bars

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The internal divider is constructed as a composite structure with a non-conductive core (foam material) covered by a thin metal skin. This composite design maintains the aesthetic appearance of metal muntin bars while the foam core provides thermal insulation, significantly reducing heat loss through the divider.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If internal metal muntin bars are used in insulated glass assemblies, then the structural integrity of the divider is improved, but stress points are created in the glass panes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of internal dividerVSAvoidstress points in glass panes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The metal skin of the internal divider is designed as a thin, flexible shell that can slightly deform under thermal expansion and contraction. This flexibility allows the divider to accommodate glass pane movement without creating rigid stress points that would lead to glass breakage during cold weather contraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If internal metal muntin bars are used in insulated glass assemblies, then the rigidity of the divider is increased, but rattling occurs during high winds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of internal dividerVSAvoidrattling noise during high winds

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The thin metal skin acts as a flexible damping layer that reduces vibration and rattling of the internal divider during high winds, while the foam core maintains the overall structural rigidity needed for divider stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If internal grids are used in insulated glass assemblies, then cleaning access to glass panes is improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning access to glass panesVSAvoidcomplexity of insulated glass assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal divider is segmented into multiple sections (vertical and horizontal muntin bars) that are independently positioned within the glass assembly. This segmentation allows cleaners to access different portions of the glass panes by removing or moving specific divider sections, simplifying cleaning while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 spring elements effectively reduce heat transfer and prevent rattling by maintaining the internal divider's position without direct contact with the panes, enhancing the durability and energy efficiency of the glass assembly while allowing for easy cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

spring elements may be positioned between panes of an insulated glass assembly and an internal divider disposed between the panes. The spring elements may bias the internal divider against contact with either of the first and second spaced apart panes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the use of internal metal muntin bars may cause heat loss through the metal bars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10900274B2Anti-rattle elements for internal divider of glass assembly

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 PELLA CORP

AI summary

An insulated glass assembly includes a first pane of translucent, obscure, or transparent sheet material, a second pane of translucent, obscure, or transparent sheet material spaced apart from the first pane, a perimeter spacer positioned between the first and second panes and extending around the perimeter of the panes, and an internal divider disposed between the first and second spaced apart panes. The internal divider is spaced from the first pane and second panes of sheet material to form a first gap and a second gap therebetween. The insulated glass assembly further includes a first spring element and a second element within the gaps between the internal divider and the first and second spaced apart panes. The first spring element and the second element combine to bias the internal divider against contact with either of the first and second spaced apart panes.