Transparent Edge Spacer for Insulating Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-filled insulating glazing units face challenges in achieving a balance between thermal insulation, transparency, and structural integrity, as they often suffer from mechanical stresses due to climatic and short-term loads, which can lead to deformation and potential breakage of glass panes, especially when using traditional metal or composite spacers that compromise transparency and stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A gas-filled insulating glazing unit with an edge spacer assembly featuring at least one transparent side, comprising a combination of a transparent rigid material with a Young's modulus of 0.5 GPa or higher and a transparent viscoelastic polymer with a lower Young's modulus, providing both stiffening and stress-releasing effects, allowing for the use of various glass types and shapes without frame elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal or composite spacers are used, then structural integrity and stiffness are improved, but transparency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the spacer from traditional metal or composite materials to transparent materials with specific mechanical properties. The transparent spacer material has a Young's modulus between 2-10 GPa, providing both transparency and sufficient structural integrity to resist wind loads and maintain the glazing unit's shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining the transparent spacer with sealing elements and adhesive layers. This multi-layer composite structure integrates the transparency function of the spacer with the sealing function of the adhesive, achieving both optical clarity and structural performance.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent spacers with low stiffness are used, then transparency is improved, but resistance to mechanical stresses is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the Young's modulus of the transparent spacer material to be between 2-10 GPa. This parameter range provides a balance between transparency and mechanical strength, allowing the spacer to maintain structural integrity under wind loads while remaining transparent. The specific modulus value can be adjusted based on the required performance level.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer assembly is segmented into distinct functional layers: the transparent spacer providing structural support, sealing elements ensuring hermetic sealing, and adhesive layers bonding components together. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising overall performance.
3Reliability
If rigid sealing elements are used, then hermetic sealing is improved, but flexibility to accommodate glass deformation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible sealing elements in the form of adhesive layers with controlled thickness and material properties. These thin film adhesives provide hermetic sealing while accommodating the thermal expansion and contraction of glass panes. The adhesive layers can deform elastically to maintain sealing integrity under climatic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The adhesive layers and sealing elements can adjust their position and deformation state in response to changing climatic conditions, maintaining hermetic sealing throughout the service life of the glazing unit despite glass pane movement.
4Area of stationary object
If frame elements are removed to increase transparent area, then transparency is improved, but structural support is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent spacer assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to replace traditional frames, ensures hermetic sealing of the interspace, maintains the required distance between glass panes, and preserves transparency. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate frame elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dimensions and material properties of the transparent spacer to provide sufficient structural support without requiring traditional frame elements. The spacer thickness, Young's modulus, and geometric configuration are carefully selected to achieve the required structural performance while maximizing transparent area.
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 solution enhances the structural integrity and transparency of gas-filled insulating glazing units by providing a stiffening effect that resists short-term loads while allowing deformation to manage climatic stresses, thereby reducing the risk of glass breakage and enabling the use of diverse glass types and shapes without the need for frame elements.
Implementation Method 1
one single transparent sealing part comprising a transparent viscoelastic polymer having a Young's modulus lower than 0.5 GPa
Implementation Method 2
providing both stiffening and stress-releasing effects
Implementation Method 3
at least one transparent stiffening part comprising a transparent rigid material having a Young's modulus of at least 0.5 GPa
Implementation Method 4
an insulating gas filling said interspace
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas-filled insulating glazing unit for glazed assemblies. The insulating glazing unit comprises an edge spacer assembly having at least one transparent side along one of the glass panes edges that comprises at least two piled and connected transparent parts comprising at least one transparent stiffening part and one single transparent sealing part.