Support Structure Fluid Channels for Insulating Glazing Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting structures for insulating glazing, such as those used in glass roofs and facades, face challenges in maintaining longevity due to inadequate drainage of moisture, including rainwater and condensate, which can lead to structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A support structure design featuring parallel posts and a transom with fluid channels that utilize wind-induced pressure differences to facilitate drainage, where the inflow and outflow openings on adjacent posts are of different sizes, ensuring effective ventilation and pressure equalization across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If controlled drainage is implemented in the mullion-transom supporting structure, then moisture drainage capability is improved, but drainage effectiveness deteriorates because condensate and rainwater cannot be sufficiently drained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic pressure equalization channels that allow the supporting structure to adapt to varying moisture conditions. The channels enable pressure equalization between different cavities, allowing the system to dynamically respond to rainwater infiltration and condensate accumulation, thereby achieving effective drainage without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization channels serve as intermediary pathways connecting different cavities in the supporting structure. These channels mediate the moisture management by allowing pressure equalization and controlled moisture transfer between cavities, enabling effective drainage while maintaining the airtight seal of the insulating glazing
2Ease of manufacture
If the edge bond of glass panes is exposed to moisture, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but service life deteriorates due to moisture penetration and condensate accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moisture management function from the edge seal area by introducing separate pressure equalization channels. This allows the edge bond to remain exposed and simple for manufacturing while the extracted moisture drainage function is handled by the dedicated channels, preventing moisture damage and extending service life
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization channels act as intermediary structures that protect the edge bond from moisture damage. By providing an alternative pathway for moisture management, these channels mediate between the exposed edge bond and the internal cavity, preventing moisture accumulation at the vulnerable edge seal while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 design enhances the longevity of insulating glazing by ensuring controlled drainage and ventilation, preventing moisture accumulation and reducing the risk of structural damage from water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
Under the influence of the wind, a pressure difference is created between the fluid channels on adjacent posts
Implementation Method 2
Such a support structure uses wind currents that can penetrate into the area between adjacent insulating glazing on the mullions
Implementation Method 3
A pressure equalization takes place via the fluid channel on the transom, which connects the adjacent fluid channels on the post, thereby ensuring a flow through the fluid channel on the transom
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure for the arrangement of panels, in particular in the form of insulating glass, comprising: at least two posts (12), which are disposed substantially parallel to one another; at least one latch (14), which is disposed substantially perpendicular between the posts, wherein the posts and the latch are designed as a contact surface for the panels and adjacent panels are spaced apart from one another by an interstice; and cover strips for covering of the interstice, which cover strips are disposed on lateral faces of the panels which are opposite the lateral faces disposed on the bearing surface; wherein the interstice formed between the panels, the posts, or the latches and the cover strips is designed as a fluid channel; wherein the fluid channels (48) on the posts are in fluid connection with the fluid channel (56) on the latch; wherein the fluid channel has an inlet opening on a first end of the posts and an outlet opening on a second end of the posts; wherein the inlet and outlet openings (50, 52) of the fluid channel are of different sizes on each individual post; wherein the inlet openings (50) of the fluid channels of adjacent posts are of different sizes; and wherein the outlet openings (52) of the fluid channels of adjacent posts are of different sizes.