Thermometer Indicator Embedded in Insulating Glass Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior thermometers attached to windows obstruct visibility and cleaning, have low reliability due to suction cups or adhesive issues, and lack integration with isolation glass characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer with a temperature sensor and indicator placed between the glass plates of double, triple, or multi-glass constructions, allowing for uninterrupted glass surfaces and integration with isolation gas, using flexible wiring or contactless communication for precise temperature measurement and additional functionalities like gas presence monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermometer is attached to the outer surface of the glass plate by means of suction cups, then the thermometer can be easily installed and removed, but the reliability is low during long-term use and the appearance is unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The thermometer is merged with the isolation glass unit itself, becoming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The indicator is placed within the sealed space between glass plates, and the temperature sensor is positioned on the outer glass plate, combining the thermometer function with the glass structure to eliminate suction cups and adhesive layers while ensuring long-term reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The thermometer indicator is nested within the sealed space of the isolation glass unit, specifically positioned between the glass plates. This nesting approach allows the thermometer to be housed within the existing structure of the isolation glass, eliminating the need for external attachments and improving both reliability and appearance
2Reliability
If the thermometer is attached to the outer glass plate by means of adhesive layer, then the thermometer remains fixed, but the body of the thermometer obstructs during cleaning and the adhesive degrades under rain, sunlight or frost causing the thermometer to fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator portion of the thermometer is extracted from the outer surface and placed within the sealed space between the glass plates. This extraction eliminates the obstruction during cleaning while maintaining the fixed position through the integrated design, as the indicator is now housed within the protected internal space rather than attached to the external surface
Solution Approach 2:
The thermometer indicator is moved from the external two-dimensional surface to the internal three-dimensional sealed space. This dimensional transition allows the indicator to be positioned within the depth of the isolation glass unit, removing it from the cleaning path while maintaining visibility from the exterior
3Adaptability or versatility
If two thermometers are used with magnetic field connection, then exterior and interior temperature can be measured, but the solution is limited to single glass plate filling which lacks isolation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The single thermometer design with indicator placed within the sealed space serves multiple functions: it measures the temperature at the outer glass plate surface and provides visual indication within the isolation glass unit. This universal design works for both single and multi-plate isolation glass configurations, eliminating the need for separate magnetic connection systems while maintaining measurement capability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The set of thermometer and the isolation glass, mainly for fillings of the construction openings such as windows, doors, has a temperature sensor (5) and an indicator (3) which displays the measured temperature. The indicator (3) is placed in a closed space between the two glass plates (2) of the isolation glass (1), whereby it is placed adjacent to the glass plate (2). The indicator (3) can be placed from inside to the spacer (4) which connects the glass plates (2) alongside the circumference. The isolation glass (1), mainly an isolation double or triple glass, keeps smooth and uninterrupted outer surface; it is easy to clean or to be plastered by foils. The temperature sensor (5) can be part of the thermometer or it can be led outside the body of the thermometer with which is connected by the flexible wiring or wirelessly. An additional device and a contactless communication element for the connection with the personal device of the user can be part of the set, too.