Thin Laminate Third Pane for Fenestration Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Triple pane windows face challenges due to the added weight and complexity of the third pane, which affects handling, installation, and increases the thickness of the glazing assembly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fenestration assembly with a triple pane configuration where the third pane is a thin laminate structure, providing improved acoustic dampening and safety features while maintaining a reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional triple pane window configuration is used, then acoustic performance and safety are improved, but weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the third pane from traditional values (typically 3mm or more) to a thin laminate structure (less than 3mm). This parameter change maintains acoustic dampening performance while significantly reducing the weight of the fenestration assembly, directly resolving the contradiction between acoustic performance and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The third pane is constructed as a laminate composite structure rather than a single solid glass pane. This composite approach allows the thin laminate to achieve the necessary acoustic dampening properties through material composition and layering, while keeping the overall weight low. The laminate structure provides both acoustic performance and safety features without the weight penalty of traditional triple pane configurations.
2Reliability
If a traditional triple pane window configuration is used, then safety features are improved, but handling and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By reducing the thickness of the third pane to a thin laminate structure (less than 3mm), the overall weight of the fenestration assembly is reduced. This makes the unit easier to handle and install while maintaining safety features through the laminate construction, which provides structural integrity despite the reduced thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminate structure of the third pane provides both safety features and ease of handling. The composite nature of the laminate gives the thin structure sufficient strength and rigidity for safety applications while keeping the overall weight manageable for installation purposes.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If a traditional triple pane window configuration is used, then insulation performance is improved, but assembly thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the thickness parameter of the third pane to less than 3mm while maintaining the insulating performance of the triple pane assembly. This is achieved through the thin laminate structure that provides thermal insulation properties without adding excessive thickness to the overall glazing assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between insulation performance and assembly thickness.
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 configuration enhances acoustic performance, meets safety standards, and reduces the overall weight and thickness of the fenestration assembly, addressing the challenges posed by traditional triple pane windows.
Implementation Method 1
the third pane (center pane) is a laminate, wherein, via the laminate (and/or laminate configuration), the fenestration assembly is configured to provide acoustic dampening
Implementation Method 2
an interlayer configured between the first glass layer and the second glass layer (e.g. wherein the interlayer bonds the first layer to the second layer)
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure are directed towards fenestration assemblies having a first pane; a second pane, the second pane spaced from the first pane; and a third pane configured in spaced relation between the first pane and the second pane, where the third pane is a laminate. In one aspect, the total thickness of the third pane laminate is not greater than 3 mm. In one aspect, the laminate comprises a first glass layer not greater than 1 mm thick and a second glass layer not greater than 1 mm thick, and an interlayer between first and second layers.