Multi-Layer Vacuum Panel Seal for Low-Stress Glass Hermeticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum insulated glass perimeter sealing systems face issues such as significant de-tempering of glass substrates, high manufacturing costs, and poor durability due to thermal stress and edge seal damage.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum insulating panel with a multi-layer edge seal structure, comprising a main seal layer with a specific composition of tellurium oxide and a pair of primer layers, is used. This structure is formed using a localized laser sintering process that reduces transient thermal stress and maintains the thermal tempering of the glass substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vacuum insulated glass perimeter sealing systems are used, then the seal provides basic hermeticity, but significant de-tempering of glass substrates occurs and durability is poor due to thermal stress and edge seal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple functional layers: a primer layer applied to the glass substrate and a main seal layer applied over the primer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the primer provides adhesion and stress distribution, while the main seal provides hermetic sealing, thereby protecting the glass substrate from de-tempering while maintaining seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters of the seal layers, specifically using a main seal layer comprising tellurium oxide (20-80 wt.%), vanadium oxide (5-45 wt.%), and aluminum oxide (0-45 wt.%). These compositional changes enable the seal to withstand thermal stress without causing significant de-tempering of the glass substrate
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing systems are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but manufacturing costs are high and productivity is reduced due to poor durability requiring rework
Solution Approach 1:
The primer layer is applied to the glass substrate before the main seal layer, creating a prepared surface that improves adhesion and stress distribution. This preliminary action prevents future seal failures and de-tempering issues, reducing rework and improving manufacturing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system uses composite materials with specific compositions - the main seal layer contains tellurium oxide (20-80 wt.%), vanadium oxide (5-45 wt.%), and aluminum oxide (0-45 wt.%). These composite materials provide enhanced durability and thermal stress resistance, reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating rework
3Use of energy by moving object
If the seal material absorbs more near-IR radiation, then heating efficiency improves, but thermal stress increases causing more de-tempering
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented seal structure with primer and main seal layers allows the main seal layer to absorb near-IR radiation for heating efficiency while the primer layer acts as a stress buffer, distributing thermal stress away from the glass substrate to prevent de-tempering
Solution Approach 2:
The specific compositional parameters of the main seal layer (tellurium oxide 20-80 wt.%, vanadium oxide 5-45 wt.%, aluminum oxide 0-45 wt.%) are optimized to balance near-IR absorption for heating efficiency while maintaining thermal stress resistance through controlled material properties
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 effectively maintains the thermal tempering of glass substrates, reduces de-tempering, and enhances the durability and hermeticity of the vacuum insulating panel, while also improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
formed using a localized laser sintering process
Implementation Method 2
localized laser sintering process
Implementation Method 3
The gap between the substrates may be at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure to provide insulating properties. Providing a vacuum in the space between the substrates reduces conduction and convection heat transport
Implementation Method 4
improved heating efficiency due to increased absorption in the near-IR
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum insulating panel includes may include: a first substrate; a second substrate; a plurality of spacers provided in a gap between at least the first and second substrates, wherein the gap is at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure; a seal provided between at least the first and second substrates, the seal comprising a first seal layer and/or a second seal layer; and wherein the first seal layer may include from about 20-80 wt.% tellurium oxide, the tellurium oxide comprising TeO4 and TeO3, and wherein the first seal layer may include more TeO3 than TeO4 by wt.%.