Double Glazed Window Upgrade Spacer Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single glazed commercial buildings suffer from thermal inefficiency and significant heat and cooling losses due to the lack of thermal breaks in their framing systems, making full replacements costly and disruptive, while attempts to upgrade to double glazed systems face challenges with precise sizing and seal quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A double glazed insulating glass unit assembly is applied to existing single glazed windows using a non-metallic spacer seal with a desiccant, a compression angle holder, and a pressure relief device, which reduces the cold edge effect and provides superior thermal performance without requiring precise fitting or direct attachment to the framing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If full window replacement with double glazed insulating glass is performed, then thermal efficiency is improved, but cost and disruption to building operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs a new double glazed insulating glass unit inside the existing single glazed window assembly. The new unit is nested within the existing frame structure, allowing the old window to remain in place while providing enhanced thermal performance. This nested approach avoids complete demolition and reinstallation, reducing disruption and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution separates the thermal upgrade function from the structural window frame. By installing an independent double glazed unit within the existing frame, the thermal performance is improved without requiring replacement of the entire window assembly. This segmentation allows selective upgrading of the glazing component while preserving the existing framing structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If field manufacturing of double glazed insulating glass is attempted, then existing outboard pane is utilized, but seal quality and sizing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spacer assembly as an intermediary component between the existing glass pane and the new insulating glass unit. This spacer provides a pre-fabricated sealing interface with integrated desiccant and sealing members, eliminating the need for field workers to create precise seals. The intermediary spacer absorbs dimensional variations and ensures consistent seal quality regardless of installation tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the sealing approach from requiring precise dimensional matching to using a compliant sealing system. The rubber or foam sealing members can deform to accommodate variations in pane size and frame dimensions, transforming the sealing problem from a precision dimensional challenge to a simple compression-fit installation.
3Strength
If aluminum framing system without thermal breaks is used, then structural strength is maintained, but thermal efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal bridging problem from the aluminum frame by introducing a non-conductive spacer assembly between the existing glass and the new insulating unit. This spacer creates a thermal break that isolates the interior from exterior temperatures, preventing heat transfer through the aluminum framing while preserving the frame's structural function.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite construction by combining the existing aluminum frame with a non-conductive spacer material and double glazed insulating glass. This composite assembly maintains the structural advantages of aluminum while adding thermal insulation layers that block heat transfer, creating a hybrid system with both strength and thermal efficiency.
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 achieves thermal performance comparable to a triple glazed unit at a lower cost than full replacements, reducing energy losses by over half, enhancing comfort, security, and noise reduction, while allowing for expansion and contraction without damage.
Implementation Method 1
A desiccant may be provided in the cavity, preferably as part of the spacer
Implementation Method 2
The spacer may be formed from a non-metallic material which is capable of forming a seal between the insulating glass unit and the existing lite
Implementation Method 3
the seal material may be a butyl material. The seal may be a tape applied at least partially around the perimeter of the existing lite
Data Source
AI summary
A glazing method and system for upgrading an existing single glazed window installation includes providing an insulating glass unit comprising a first glazing lite and a second glazing lite. Providing a spacer located between the existing lite and the insulating glass unit. The spacer is formed from a material which is capable of forming a seal between the insulating glass unit and the existing lite and forms a cavity between the insulating glass unit assembly and the existing glazing installation. Providing a supplemental holder for holding the insulating glass unit in place against the existing glazing installation.