Vanadium-Based Frit for Low-Temperature Vacuum Insulated Glass Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units face challenges with high processing temperatures that compromise the temper strength of tempered glass and can be detrimental to low-E coatings, while existing seal materials like epoxy and lead-based frits have limitations such as insufficient vacuum retention and health concerns, respectively.

Innovation Solution

A frit material composition including vanadium oxide between 50% and 60% weight, barium oxide between 27% and 33% weight, and zinc oxide between 9% and 12% weight, with optional additives, is used to create a seal that can be melted at temperatures below 400°C, ensuring reduced temper strength loss and providing a hermetic seal without lead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional seal materials (epoxy, lead-based frits) are used, then sealing function is achieved, but vacuum retention is insufficient or health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum retentionVSAvoidhealth concerns from lead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the frit material by incorporating specific ratios of vanadium oxide (40-60 wt%), barium oxide (20-30 wt%), and zinc oxide (10-20 wt%), along with other oxides, to achieve both lead-free formulation and improved vacuum retention properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite frit material system combining multiple oxide components (vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, boron oxide, etc.) to achieve synergistic effects that provide both hermetic sealing and superior vacuum retention without lead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If high processing temperatures (approximately 500°C) are used to melt conventional frit, then seal formation is achieved, but temper strength of tempered glass is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal formationVSAvoidtemper strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the melting temperature parameter of the frit material by adjusting its chemical composition, specifically incorporating vanadium oxide and other low-melting-point oxides to reduce the processing temperature from 500°C to below 400°C, thereby preserving the temper strength of the glass while achieving proper seal formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If high processing temperatures (approximately 500°C) are used to melt conventional frit, then seal formation is achieved, but low-E coatings are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal formationVSAvoiddamage to low-E coatings

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from 500°C to below 400°C by modifying the frit composition, which prevents thermal damage to low-E coatings while still achieving adequate melt flow and seal formation through the optimized oxide ratios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If conventional frit composition is used, then seal material is available, but processing temperature must be kept below 400°C to preserve glass temper strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemper strengthVSAvoidseal formation at low temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple parameters: the chemical composition (oxide ratios) and the melting temperature, creating a frit material that melts adequately at below 400°C through the specific combination of vanadium oxide, barium oxide, and zinc oxide, enabling both low-temperature processing and proper seal formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed frit material effectively seals VIG units at lower temperatures, preserving the temper strength of tempered glass and offering a lead-free, durable, and environmentally friendly solution that maintains vacuum integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10858880B2Vanadium-based frit materials, binders, and/or solvents and/or methods of making the same

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 GUARDIAN GLASS LLC

AI summary

Certain example embodiments relate to seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a composition may be combined with a binder solution that substantially or completely burns out by the time the composition is melted. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that included the above-described composition.