Vacuum Insulated Wire-Embedded Glass Layout for Cleaner Appearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum insulated glass panel units with wire-reinforced glass substrates suffer from visible spacers and wires, leading to a deterioration in appearance due to the irregular patterns formed, which compromises their aesthetic appeal despite improved thermally insulating and fireproof properties.
Innovation Solution
A glass panel unit design featuring a wire-embedded glass substrate with spacers arranged to overlap with the wire structure in a plan view, creating a regular pattern that minimizes the visibility of spacers and wires, thereby enhancing the appearance while maintaining thermally insulating and fireproof properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire-reinforced glass is used to improve fireproof properties, then fireproof performance is improved, but the wire and spacers become simultaneously visible causing deterioration of appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of spacers to a three-dimensional configuration where spacers are positioned at intersections of wire structures. By arranging spacers to overlap with wire intersections in plan view and positioning them at specific depths within the glass panel, the invention creates a multi-layered structure that integrates the spacer pattern with the wire pattern, resolving the visual conflict between fireproof wires and insulating spacers.
2Loss of energy
If multiple spacers are positioned inside the evacuated space to maintain vacuum insulation, then thermally insulating properties are improved, but the irregular pattern of spacers and wires deteriorates appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate functions of wire reinforcement and spacer positioning by integrating the spacer arrangement with the wire structure intersections. The spacers are strategically placed at wire intersections, combining the structural reinforcement function of wires with the vacuum sealing function of spacers into a unified pattern, thereby eliminating the irregular appearance caused by independent wire and spacer placements.
3Shape
If spacers are arranged in a regular pattern to improve appearance, then appearance is improved, but the ability to hermetically seal the evacuated space may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning spacers with different characteristics at different locations within the evacuated space. Spacers are strategically placed at wire intersections where they serve dual purposes: maintaining the regular aesthetic pattern while simultaneously ensuring hermetic sealing at critical locations. The spacer distribution is non-uniform, with higher concentration at wire intersections, optimizing both appearance and sealing function locally.
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 effectively suppresses the visual impact of spacers and wires, resulting in a glass panel unit with improved appearance and retained thermal and fireproof performance.
Implementation Method 1
an evacuated space (vacuum space) is formed between a first plate of glass and a second plate of glass
Implementation Method 2
The inside space is hermetically enclosed by the first glass substrate, the second glass substrate, and the sealing member, and has reduced pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The glass panel unit includes a first glass substrate, a second glass substrate, a sealing member, an inside space, and a plurality of spacers. The inside space is hermetically enclosed by the first glass substrate, the second glass substrate, and the sealing member, and has reduced pressure. The plurality of spacers are placed in the inside space. At least one of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate is a wire-embedded glass panel with a wire structure embedded therein. The plurality of spacers are arranged so as to overlap with part of the wire structure in a plan view.