Window Spacer With Segmented Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triple pane window assemblies face challenges with spacer compression, undesirable reflections, and increased complexity due to multiple seals and solid supports, which affect energy efficiency and manufacturing flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A window spacer design featuring an outer elongate strip and two inner elongate strips with support legs that form an intermediate pane gap, reducing the likelihood of spacer compression and minimizing visible reflections by positioning the intermediate pane's perimeter within the spacer structure, while using fewer seals and allowing for increased flexibility and twistability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid support structure is used to support the intermediate pane, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete support legs rather than a continuous solid support. Each support leg is positioned at specific locations to provide necessary structural support while reducing overall complexity and facilitating easier manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Support is provided locally at specific points where needed rather than through a continuous solid structure. The support legs are strategically positioned to bear the intermediate pane weight and maintain spacing where structurally necessary, while leaving other areas open to reduce complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are used to seal the edges of the panes, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated spacer structure. The spacer simultaneously provides structural support, maintains pane spacing, and creates sealed cavities between panes, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer structure performs multiple functions: it supports the intermediate pane, maintains the air space between panes, provides sealing surfaces, and structurally connects the panes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the intermediate pane perimeter is positioned within the spacer structure, then undesirable reflections are minimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate pane perimeter is nested within the spacer structure, with the spacer extending beyond the pane edges. This nesting arrangement hides the pane perimeters from external view, eliminating reflections while the spacer's inherent flexibility accommodates normal manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer structure acts as a flexible element that can accommodate variations in pane positioning due to manufacturing tolerances. Its flexibility ensures that the intermediate pane perimeter remains properly positioned within the spacer to prevent reflections, even when manufacturing precision varies within acceptable ranges.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid spacer structure is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility and twistability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer structure incorporates dynamic characteristics by using slender support legs that can flex and twist under load. This allows the spacer to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and installation variations while maintaining structural stability in its assembled position, combining rigidity where needed with flexibility where beneficial.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a window spacer has an outer elongate strip with a first surface and a second surface. The window spacer also has first and second inner elongate strips that each has a first surface and a second surface. The inner elongate strips are arranged so that each of the first surfaces of the inner elongate strips is spaced from the second surface of the outer elongate strip. The inner elongate strips are also spaced from each other to form an elongate intermediate pane gap. Support legs extend between the outer elongate strip and the two inner elongate strips.