Transparent Double Glazing Panel with UV-Cured Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing transparent double-glazing panels, such as those used for fridge doors and showcases, are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring the solidification of glue along the edges of glass sheets, which complicates the assembly process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A double-glazing panel design featuring a transparent frame made of plastic profiles directly glued to the glass sheets using methacrylic urethane glue, which is solidified with cold ultraviolet light, allowing for easier assembly and reduced manufacturing time, with the profiles serving as both structural and aesthetic elements and providing anchoring points for hinges and deformation limiting bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If glass sheets are coupled by dipping edges in liquid glue and waiting for solidification, then transparent connection is achieved, but manufacturing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional liquid glue application method with a profile-based mechanical connection system. Profiles are inserted into grooves cut in the glass sheets, creating a mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for liquid glue and its associated long solidification waiting time, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining connection integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces profiles as intermediary elements between glass sheets. These profiles serve as mediators that provide both mechanical connection and transparent appearance, replacing the function of liquid glue while enabling faster assembly through groove insertion rather than edge dipping and waiting
2Strength
If metal frames are used to support glass sheets, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the supporting structure from opaque metal to transparent material (such as transparent plastic or glass profiles). This parameter change allows the supporting structure to provide structural strength while remaining visually invisible, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction where profiles (made of transparent material) are combined with glass sheets through groove insertion. This composite structure provides both the structural strength needed for support and the transparency required for aesthetic appearance, eliminating the need for visible metal frames
3Reliability
If conventional metal profiles are used for frame, then durability against impacts is improved, but transparency and seamless appearance are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to transparent material for the profiles. These transparent profiles maintain durability against impacts while providing the seamless transparent appearance required, eliminating the visual obstruction caused by conventional metal frames
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 enables the production of transparent panels with a seamless aesthetic appearance, reduced manufacturing time, and enhanced durability against impacts, while maintaining thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The glue is solidified by illuminating said glue with cold ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
filled with air or noble gases and acting as heat insulating
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A double-glazing panel is described, comprising at least two glass sheets and one frame extending along the perimeter of the glass sheets. The glass sheets are supported parallel to one another only by the frame. A chamber containing air or gas, isolated from the outside, is defined between the adjacent glass sheets and the frame. In its own turn, the frame consists of one or more profiles directly glued to the glass sheets, just at the respective edges. Advantageously, at least some profiles are transparent, i.e. at least part of the frame is transparent. The panel assembly is very easy and quick at the same time. The profiles can be made separately before the panel assembly, with low costs. For example, the profiles are made of a plastic material, and are extruded or molded.