Window Frame Vacuum Insulated Structures for Thermal Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window frames fail to adequately insulate the periphery of vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window units, leading to reduced thermal performance due to space constraints and insulative materials used.
Innovation Solution
A window frame design incorporating a plurality of elongated cavities with vacuum insulated structures (VIS) that encase insulating material at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, enhancing the frame's thermal insulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional insulative materials (e.g., foam) are used in window frames, then the frame provides basic insulation, but the thermal performance is insufficient (R-values up to five times lower than vacuum insulated structures)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the insulating medium by creating a vacuum (removing gas molecules) instead of using conventional solid or gas-based insulators. This parameter change from atmospheric pressure to vacuum dramatically increases thermal insulation performance, achieving R-values up to five times higher than foam insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert vacuum environment within sealed cavities of the window frame structures. By removing the atmosphere (creating vacuum), heat transfer through conduction and convection is eliminated, providing superior thermal insulation compared to conventional materials that rely on trapped air or foam structures.
2Loss of energy
If vacuum insulated structures are integrated into window frames, then thermal insulation efficiency is dramatically improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sealed cavities and vacuum maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the window frame into multiple separate cavity structures (first cavity, second cavity, third cavity) that can be independently sealed and evacuated. This segmentation allows each cavity to function as an independent vacuum insulated unit, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process while achieving superior insulation through the combination of multiple vacuum barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested cavity structures where cavities are positioned within or alongside each other (first cavity adjacent to second cavity, third cavity adjacent to both). This nesting arrangement maximizes insulation efficiency within the available frame space while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable structural configuration.
3Temperature
If the frame structure is designed with multiple cavities for vacuum insulation, then thermal performance is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases due to sealing and vacuum evacuation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the frame structures with pre-formed sealed cavities that are prepared for vacuum evacuation before final assembly. The cavities are configured with access ports that allow vacuum pumping to occur prior to final sealing, simplifying the manufacturing process by separating the vacuum creation step from the assembly step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vacuum as an intermediary medium between the frame structures and the external environment. By introducing vacuum into sealed cavities, the system achieves superior thermal insulation without requiring complex multi-layer solid insulation materials, simplifying the overall manufacturing approach compared to alternative high-performance insulation solutions.
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 window frame achieves improved thermal performance and aesthetics by effectively insulating the perimeter of VIG window units, matching or exceeding the insulating efficiency of the VIG units themselves, with R-values up to five times higher than typical foam insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum insulated structure located in at least one of the elongated cavities of the window frame, the vacuum insulated structure comprising a sealed flexible envelope that encases insulating material, and an interior of the sealed flexible envelope is at a pressure less than atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A window includes a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit in a window frame. The window frame includes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving the insulating functionality of the frame, so that the frame can adequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows may be used in residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings. The use of a window frame having at least one VIS is advantageous in that allows for improved window frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design if desired for improved aesthetics.