Vacuum Insulated Glass Edge Seal Evacuation Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing vacuum insulated glass units often result in visible or detectable ports for evacuating the insulating gap, which can compromise the aesthetic and structural integrity of the glass unit.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of an edge seal with a discontinuity to the perimeter of a glass sheet, allowing for the evacuation of the gap between two glass sheets through the discontinuity, which is then locally heated to partially seal the discontinuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a port is used to evacuate the insulating gap, then evacuation can be performed, but the port remains visible or detectable in the final product compromising aesthetic and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The evacuation port is extracted from the visible glass surface and relocated to the edge seal perimeter. The discontinuity is formed within the edge seal material itself, allowing evacuation to occur through this hidden location rather than through a visible port in the glass panes.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge seal acts as an intermediary element that houses the discontinuity. Instead of creating a direct port through the glass panes, the edge seal material serves as the medium through which evacuation occurs, hiding the port function within the peripheral sealing structure.
2Reliability
If the edge seal is completely continuous, then sealing performance is maximized, but evacuation cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The edge seal is segmented by introducing a discontinuity within its structure. This creates a localized opening for evacuation while maintaining the continuous sealing function along the rest of the perimeter. The discontinuity is contained within the edge seal material rather than breaking the overall seal continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge seal has different properties at different locations: it is continuous and sealed along most of the perimeter for sealing performance, but contains a localized discontinuity region that provides evacuation capability. This local variation in quality allows both functions to coexist.
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
This approach enables the efficient evacuation and sealing of the insulating gap without visible ports, enhancing the insulating performance and aesthetic appeal of the vacuum insulated glass unit.
Implementation Method 1
locally heating the edge seal to at least partially seal the discontinuity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a glass sheet assembly for a vacuum insulated glass unit includes applying an edge seal made of a first material to a perimeter of a first surface of a first glass sheet. The edge seal defining a discontinuity. The method also includes disposing a first surface of a second glass sheet on the edge seal such that a gap is defined between the first surface of the first glass sheet and the first surface of the second glass sheet. The method further includes evacuating the gap through the discontinuity and locally heating the edge seal to at least partially seal the discontinuity.