Triple Pane Window Assembly Vacuum Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assembling triple pane insulating glass units (IGUs) often contaminate the center glass pane during the assembly process, leading to visual defects and potential seal failures due to the need for physical handling and contact with conveyance systems.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact vacuum pad system is used to lift and handle glass lites, preventing physical contact and contamination, while multiple pads with a capacity of 7-10 pounds each allow for assembly of larger glass sizes up to 70 by 100 inches, and a process flow involving registration and thermal treatment ensures secure bonding of the panes without contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional conveyance systems are used to handle glass lites during assembly, then the assembly process can be completed, but the inner glass surfaces become contaminated leading to visual defects and potential seal failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal bond durabilityVSAvoidglass surface contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical conveyance systems that physically contact glass surfaces with a vacuum-based handling system. Vacuum pads create suction to lift and transport glass lites without mechanical contact, eliminating the source of contamination while maintaining assembly capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pad system acts as an intermediary between the conveyance mechanism and the glass lites. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the vacuum field serves as the medium to transfer and position the glass, protecting the inner surfaces from contamination while enabling controlled movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If vacuum pad capacity is increased to handle larger glass sizes, then bigger IGUs can be assembled, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass lite sizeVSAvoidvacuum pad system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pad system is divided into multiple independent pads rather than using a single large pad. Each pad can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing the system to handle various glass sizes by activating only the necessary pads. This modular approach manages complexity while maintaining versatility for different glass dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively assembles triple pane IGUs without contaminating the inner glass surfaces, ensuring clean and contaminant-free assembly, which enhances the durability of the sealant bond and prevents visual defects, while accommodating various product combinations and sizes.

Implementation Method 1

A non-contact vacuum pad system is used to lift and handle glass lites

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS11332972B2Efficient assembly of triple pane windows

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 GED INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

This invention describes an apparatus for assembling triple pane insulating glass units from a plurality of insulating spacer frames having sealant or adhesive applied to opposite sides of said spacer frames.