Weighing Device for Precise Spacer Frame Desiccant Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for filling spacer frames with desiccant lack adequate control of the amount filled, leading to potential blockages and incomplete filling, which can result in faulty insulating glass panes due to insufficient moisture absorption.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a weighing system to monitor the weight of desiccant in a storage container, allowing real-time detection of blockages and ensuring precise filling by interrupting the process when the desired amount is reached, with features like shut-off and closing devices to regulate flow and overpressure for efficient filling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flow sensors are used to detect desiccant flow, then the filling process can be monitored, but blockages cannot be reliably detected and false triggering occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblockage detection reliabilityVSAvoidflow sensing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical flow sensors with a weighing device that directly measures the weight of desiccant in the storage container. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliability issues of optical sensors by using direct weight measurement, which is not affected by blockages or static charge in the supply line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The weighing device provides continuous feedback on the desiccant weight, allowing the control device to monitor the filling process in real-time and detect blockages by comparing expected weight loss with actual weight loss over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If filling is terminated after a predefined filling time, then the process is simple to control, but the frame may not be sufficiently filled leading to product failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling quantity accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device receives continuous weight feedback from the weighing device and automatically terminates the filling process when the target weight is reached. This feedback-based control ensures precise filling quantity without requiring complex manual monitoring or multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems with a simple weighing mechanism that directly provides accurate filling quantity information, reducing overall system complexity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical flow sensors are used to quantify filling material, then movement detection is possible, but quantification is too imprecise for adequate control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling material quantification accuracyVSAvoidfilling material measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical flow sensors with a weighing device that directly measures the weight of desiccant. This substitution provides precise quantification of filling material by measuring mass directly, eliminating the imprecision of optical methods that can only detect movement rather than quantify amount.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures accurate and complete filling of spacer frames with desiccant, preventing faulty production of insulating glass panes by detecting blockages and maintaining consistent moisture absorption capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a weighing device for determining the weight of the filler material contained in the storage container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight measurement:

Implementation Method 2

This desiccant absorbs any residual moisture in an enclosed gas space, preventing moisture from settling on the panes after the spaces between the panes are sealed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3477037B1Device and method for filling a spacing frame or distance frame
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ROTTLER & RUDIGER & PARTNER
  • EP3477037B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3477037B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3477037B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for filling a spacer frame leg (2) or spacer frame (3) with a flowable filling material (4), wherein by determining a weight loss from a storage container (5) filled with filling material (4) an indirect determination of the weight of the filling material (4) filled into a spacer frame leg (2) or spacer frame (3) is possible.