VIG Frame Assembly With Resilient Suspension for Thermal Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units experience significant thermal deflection due to temperature differences between glass sheets, leading to stress and potential damage, especially when constrained by rigid frames, which can compromise the integrity of the vacuum seal and reduce the unit's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly with resilient suspension elements that compress and expand in response to thermal deflection, providing a holding force while allowing the VIG unit to thermally deflect, reducing stress and maintaining the vacuum seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid frame constraints are used to hold the VIG unit, then the holding force is strong and stable, but thermal deflection causes stress and potential damage to the vacuum seal
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system with resilient suspension elements that can adapt their state in response to thermal deflection. The suspension elements compress and expand dynamically to accommodate temperature-induced dimensional changes while maintaining holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient suspension elements change their physical state (compression/extension) in response to temperature parameter changes. This allows the frame to accommodate thermal deflection by modifying the mechanical parameters of the suspension system rather than maintaining fixed rigid constraints.
2Reliability
If the frame allows free thermal deflection of the VIG unit, then stress on the vacuum seal is reduced, but the holding stability and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient suspension elements act as flexible mechanical components that provide controlled compliance. These elements allow the frame to flex and adapt to thermal deflection while maintaining sufficient constraint to preserve positioning stability and prevent excessive movement.
3Reliability
If resilient suspension elements are used to accommodate thermal deflection, then the vacuum seal integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient suspension elements serve as intermediary components between the rigid frame structure and the VIG unit. These mediators absorb the complexity of accommodating thermal deflection, allowing the main frame structure to remain relatively simple while still achieving the required reliability.
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 manages thermal deflection, reducing stress on the VIG unit, enhancing its lifetime and ensuring the vacuum seal remains intact under varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature difference ΔT between the glass sheets causes the VIG unit to deflect (also known as thermal bending, thermal deflection or thermal distortion), as the hotter glass sheet of the VIG unit will expand compared to the colder of the glass sheets
Implementation Method 2
one or more resilient suspension elements is compressed between a first of said holding members and one of said opposite outwardly facing surfaces, and wherein one or more resilient suspension elements is compressed between a second of said holding members and the other of said opposite outwardly facing surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit frame assembly (10), wherein said vacuum insulated glass unit frame assembly (10) comprises: - a vacuum insulated glass unit (1), and - a frame (20) comprising elongated frame profile arrangements (20a-20d) which frames said vacuum insulated glass unit (1) in a frame opening (21). One or more of said frame profile arrangements (20a-20d) comprises a holding part (28), wherein said holding part (28) holds the vacuum insulated glass unit (2) between first and second holding members (22, 23 28a, 28b,) arranged at opposite outwardly facing surfaces (4a, 4b, 15, 35a) of the vacuum insulated glass unit (1), and one or more resilient suspension elements (45a, 45b) is compressed between a first of said holding members (22, 23 28a, 28b) and one of said opposite outwardly facing surfaces (4a, 4b), and wherein one or more resilient suspension elements (45a, 45b) is compressed between a second of said holding members (22, 23 28a, 28b) and the other of said opposite outwardly facing surfaces (4a, 4b). Said compressed, resilient suspension elements (45a, 45b) provides a holding force (Fl, F2) towards said opposite outwardly facing surfaces (4a, 4b, 15, 35a ) of the vacuum insulated glass unit (1) so as to suspend the vacuum insulated glass unit (1) between said first and second holding members (28a, 28b), and each of said compressed, resilient suspension elements (45a, 45b) are configured to be further compressed or expand in response to a thermal deflection of the edge (8a-8d) of the VIG unit (1) due to a temperature difference (AT = 71 — 72) between the two glass sheets (2a, 2b). The disclosure additionally relates to a vacuum insulated glass unit and a retrofitting frame system.