VIG Edge Sealing With Local Heating for Tempered Glass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing vacuum insulated glass units (VIG units) face challenges in terms of manufacturing speed, end product quality, and the integrity of the edge sealing, particularly when using tempered glass sheets, which can weaken and de-temper if heated uniformly for sealing.

Innovation Solution

A method involving local heating of tempered glass sheets at the zones where the edge sealing material is applied, using radiation heaters or lasers to soften the glass material, which is then extruded through a nozzle to form a strong and durable seal, allowing for wider support structure spacing and reduced risk of de-tempering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If tempered glass sheets are heated uniformly to high temperature for edge sealing, then the glass material softens and forms a seal, but the tempered glass sheets de-temper and weaken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveedge sealing qualityVSAvoidglass sheet strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local heating only to the edge zones where sealing is required, rather than heating the entire glass sheet. This localized approach softens the glass material at the edges for sealing while maintaining the tempered state and strength of the rest of the glass sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process is segmented into specific zones - the edge regions are heated to softening temperature while the central and support structure areas remain at lower temperatures. This segmentation allows different parts of the glass sheet to be at different thermal states simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the entire glass sheet is heated for sealing, then the glass material becomes soft and formable, but manufacturing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing formationVSAvoidmanufacturing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Heating is applied locally only to the edge zones requiring sealing rather than the entire glass sheet. This reduces the total thermal mass that needs to be heated and processed, significantly decreasing heating time and increasing manufacturing productivity while still achieving proper sealing formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies heating only to the extent necessary for sealing - just the edge zones - rather than heating the entire glass sheet. This partial action achieves the required sealing formation without the excessive time penalty of full-sheet heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Strength

If support structures are placed close together, then glass sheet strength is maintained, but the visible distraction and insulation performance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglass sheet integrityVSAvoidinsulation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal parameter during manufacturing - using localized high temperature heating at the edges during sealing - which allows the use of tempered glass with higher strength-to-weight ratio. This enables wider spacing of support structures while maintaining both structural integrity and insulation performance.

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

This approach enhances manufacturing speed, improves sealing durability, and maintains the integrity of tempered glass sheets, enabling larger scale production of VIG units with minimal visible distractions and effective insulation.

Implementation Method 1

heating a glass material to soften the glass material... using radiation heaters or lasers to soften the glass material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation heating: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

applying the heated, softened glass material at said one or more glass sheets by means of a nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentUS20260028874A1Manufacturing of glass sheet assemblies by means of preheated edge sealing material

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 VKR HOLDING AS

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods of providing an edge sealing (2) for a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit. The methods may comprise providing one or more glass sheets (1a, 1b). A glass material (5) such as a solder glass material is heated to soften the glass material (5), and the heated glass material is then applied along edges of the one or more glass sheets (1a, 1b) to provide an edge sealing (2) for sealing a gap (13) between paired glass sheets (1a, 1b). The heated glass material (5) may be applied by means of a dispensing nozzle (6). The disclosure moreover relates to a VIG unit and a system.