Vacuum Insulated Glass Assembly Handling for Static Charge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the production of vacuum insulated glass units, support structures within the assembly can move due to charge transfer occurrences caused by handling systems, leading to misalignment and potential breakage of the glass panes.
Innovation Solution
Implement a humidity control system to maintain ambient air humidity above a certain threshold and utilize ionizing devices to control electrostatic potential, reducing charge build-up and ensuring support structures remain in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handling systems physically contact the VIG unit assembly during production, then the assembly can be transported and positioned, but charge transfer occurs causing support structures to move
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive fluid (ionized gas or liquid) is introduced as an intermediary between the handling system and the VIG assembly. This intermediary provides a controlled electrical pathway that allows charge equalization without direct mechanical contact, preventing triboelectric charging while maintaining handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters of the handling environment are changed by introducing ionized particles or conductive fluid. This changes the electrical conductivity of the air space around the assembly, allowing controlled charge dissipation and preventing the buildup of static electricity that would otherwise cause support structure movement
2Reliability
If vacuum is provided in the cavity between glass sheets, then heat insulating effect is improved, but support structures must withstand large atmospheric pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support structures (pillars) are distributed across the glass assembly to provide counterbalancing support against the atmospheric pressure force. These structures act as mechanical counterweights distributed throughout the cavity space, preventing glass pane deformation while maintaining the vacuum for thermal insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity space is segmented into multiple regions by distributing numerous support structures throughout the volume. This segmentation allows the total atmospheric pressure force to be distributed across many small contact points rather than concentrated on few points, reducing stress on individual support structures
3Ease of manufacture
If ambient air has low humidity, then handling operations can proceed without condensation, but static electricity builds up causing support structure displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Ionized gas or conductive fluid is introduced as an intermediary charge dissipation pathway. This intermediary allows electrical charge to be neutralized through the fluid medium rather than through direct contact or air discharge, preventing support structure movement while maintaining low-humidity conditions that avoid condensation
Solution Approach 2:
The natural mechanical dissipation of static charge through humid air is replaced with an active electrical neutralization system using ionized gas or conductive fluid. This substitution allows charge control independent of humidity levels, enabling stable support structure positioning in low-humidity environments
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
Enhances the yield of correctly positioned support structures, reducing breakage and maintaining the insulating effect of the VIG units by minimizing static electricity-induced movement.
Implementation Method 1
providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly, wherein the humidity control is provided by a humidity control system providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 30%
Implementation Method 2
This is mainly because of the water content making the humid air conductive, such that it can absorb and distribute charges
Implementation Method 3
a handling tool, of a handling system, comprising interacting parts may create friction and/or vibrations in turn generating charged ions conducted to the glass surface in contact with the handling tool
Implementation Method 4
utilize ionizing devices to control electrostatic potential, reducing charge build-up
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of handling a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly for a vacuum insulated glass unit, wherein the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit assembly comprises: a first glass sheet, a plurality of support structures on an upward facing major surface of the first glass sheet, wherein the 5method comprises the steps of: handling the VIG unit assembly by physically contacting the VIG unit assembly by one or more contact surface(s) of a handling system, and providing humidity control of ambient air surrounding the VIG unit assembly, wherein the humidity control is provided by a humidity control system providing a relative humidity of the ambient air above a minimum threshold level of 103%, such as 35%, or such as 40%.