Triple-Pane Window Assembly With Low Edge-Seal Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fenestration assemblies face challenges in improving acoustic performance, reducing edge seal force, maintaining thermal insulation, and enhancing mechanical resilience while maintaining similar dimensions and weight to double pane assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A triple pane fenestration assembly is designed with a thicker outer pane and thinner inner panes, utilizing low CTE glazing material for the inner pane to reduce sound transmission and edge seal stress, and incorporating laminated layers for improved impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a triple pane configuration is used to improve acoustic performance and thermal insulation, then sound dampening and thermal performance are improved, but the weight and thickness of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different glass thicknesses to different panes (first pane: 6mm, second pane: ≤1mm, third pane: 6mm) rather than uniform thickness, optimizing acoustic performance locally where mass is needed while minimizing overall weight. The thinner second pane reduces total weight while the thicker first and third panes provide sound dampening at the critical outer surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining multiple glass panes with different thicknesses and materials (including low CTE glazing material in the second pane) to achieve superior acoustic and thermal performance while controlling weight. This composite approach allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall performance characteristics.
2Temperature
If triple pane assembly is used to improve thermal insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but the dimensions and weight increase compared to double pane assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric pane thickness distribution (6mm-≤1mm-6mm) to optimize thermal performance while minimizing total thickness. The thinner second pane reduces the overall assembly thickness while the thicker outer panes provide the primary thermal barrier, achieving efficient heat transfer blocking in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the thermal barrier function across three separate panes with two distinct air gaps, creating segmented thermal resistance paths. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to thermal insulation while the thin second pane keeps the overall assembly thickness manageable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thicker panes are used to improve acoustic performance, then sound dampening is improved, but edge seal force increases reducing assembly lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the sound dampening function in the outer first pane (6mm thick) rather than distributing thickness uniformly, while using a thin second pane (≤1mm) to minimize edge seal stress. This local optimization provides acoustic performance where needed while protecting the edge seal system from excessive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin second pane acts as an intermediary layer between the two thicker panes, reducing the transmission of mechanical stress to the edge seals while maintaining the acoustic benefits of the overall triple pane structure. This intermediary thin pane protects the seal system from the full force of pressure differentials.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If triple pane configuration is used to improve acoustic performance, then sound dampening is improved, but the assembly weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically places thicker glass (6mm) only in the outer first and third panes where mass is most effective for sound dampening, while using a thin second pane (≤1mm) to minimize weight. This local concentration of mass provides acoustic performance without the penalty of uniform thick-glass weight throughout the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite glass thickness structure (6mm-≤1mm-6mm) that combines the sound dampening benefits of thicker glass with the weight advantages of thinner glass, achieving acoustic performance comparable to uniformly thick assemblies at reduced weight.
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 assembly achieves enhanced sound dampening, reduced edge seal force, improved thermal insulation, and increased mechanical resilience, while maintaining comparable dimensions and weight to double pane assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
the first pane is configured with a higher proportion of the overall IGU thickness (e.g. or weight) for improved acoustic performance of the fenestration assembly
Implementation Method 2
utilizing low CTE glazing material for the inner pane to reduce sound transmission and edge seal stress
Implementation Method 3
the fenestration assembly limits heat transfer from the structure to a surrounding environment
Implementation Method 4
incorporating laminated layers for improved impact resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Various embodiments are provided for an isolating fenestration assembly including a triple pane IGU configured with chambers between the panes and having a thicker or heavier first pane (outer pane) as compared to the second and third panes and/or an edge seal force not exceeding 1.2 N/m, when measured in accordance with prEN 16612.