Super-insulating Multilayer Glass with Argon Gas Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multilayer glass fails to achieve superior heat insulation properties, with high thermal transmittance and sensitivity to external stress, and existing solutions like vacuum glass are prone to breakage and have reduced light transmittance.
Innovation Solution
A super-insulating multilayer glass design featuring first and second sheets of glass separated by multiple thinner glass sheets with argon or krypton gas layers and a sealant, optimized for thermal insulation and structural stability, along with anti-reflective coatings to enhance light transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum glass is used to achieve thermal transmittance below 0.7 W/m2K, then heat insulation properties are improved, but the glass becomes extremely sensitive to external stress and has high breakage possibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum environment with inert gas filling (argon or krypton) between glass layers. This eliminates the vacuum's extreme sensitivity to stress while maintaining superior thermal insulation properties, as the inert gas provides thermal resistance without creating the pressure differential that makes vacuum glass fragile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining multiple glass layers with inert gas filling and low-emissivity coatings. This composite approach achieves the thermal performance of vacuum glass while the solid glass layers and gas filling provide structural stability and breakage resistance
2Loss of energy
If triple-layer glass is used to reduce thermal transmittance, then heat insulation is improved, but light transmittance is reduced and reflectance is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameters of individual glass layers and gas filling spaces, and adjusts the optical properties of low-emissivity coatings. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves low thermal transmittance while maintaining acceptable light transmittance and reducing reflectance through proper coating selection
3Loss of energy
If glass thickness is increased to improve heat insulation, then thermal transmittance is reduced, but weight and breakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the glass structure into multiple thin layers separated by gas filling spaces, rather than using a single thick glass panel. This segmentation achieves superior thermal insulation through the combined effect of multiple interfaces and gas filling, while each individual thin glass layer remains lightweight and less prone to breakage
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 design achieves thermal transmittance below 0.7 W/m2K, minimizing weight and breakage risk, while maintaining comfortable sight and improved heat gain, making it suitable for energy-efficient buildings.
Implementation Method 1
at least four filling gas layers each being formed to a thickness of 11 mm to 13 mm between two adjoining sheets of glass among the first to third sheets of glass and including argon (Ar) gas
Implementation Method 2
heat insulation properties of glass are 1/10 or less those of a wall
Implementation Method 3
heat leakage during heating and cooling
Implementation Method 4
a sealant sealing lateral sides of the filling gas layers
Implementation Method 5
triple-layer glass exhibits reduced light transmittance and increased reflectance
Implementation Method 6
anti-reflective coatings to enhance light transmittance
Implementation Method 7
when using glass to which a low-emissivity coating is applied
Data Source
AI summary
A super-insulating multilayer glass comprises a first piece of glass and a second piece of glass which are spaced apart facing each other; a plurality of third pieces of glass which are formed spaced apart from each other between the first piece of glass and the second piece of glass, and which have a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm; filling gas layers which are respectively formed so as to comprise argon (Ar) gas, and of which at least 4 are formed among the first to third pieces of glass, to a thickness of between 11 and 13 mm between two neighboring pieces of glass; and a sealant which seals the side surfaces of the filled gas layers.