Method and system for measuring seal contact

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a sealing gap between a closed member and a fixed member. The method includes applying a liquid agent having a transferable property along one or more areas of a stamping member to form one or more base marks. The stamping member is one of the closed member or the fixed member. The method also includes: engaging the closed member with the fixed member; disengaging the closed member from the fixed member; and evaluating the sealing gap between the closed member and the fixed member based on one or more residual patterns formed on the stamped member. The stamped member is the other of the closed member and the fixed member, and the residual pattern is formed by transferring the liquid agent from the base mark.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for measuring seal contact as it relates to seal gaps in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Vehicles include many opening and closing panels (i.e., closing members) that are operable to open and close against the body of the vehicle (i.e., the vehicle body or fixed members). For example, vehicle doors, trunks, hoods, sunroof panels, and trunk lids are all opening and closing panels that mate with the vehicle body. To prevent debris from entering between the opening and closing panel and the vehicle body (i.e., between two mating members), a sealing strip or seal is typically arranged between the two mating members to seal out debris such as water. In addition to sealing against debris, the seal also controls wind noise caused by air passing through the two mating members.

[0004] Typically, the amount of interference between a seal and the surface it seals controls wind noise and debris leakage. Interference can also affect the amount of force (i.e., energy) required by a user to close the access panel to the vehicle body. Specifically, as the amount of interference between the seal and the surface increases, the amount of force required to close the panel also increases. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues. Summary of the invention

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a seal gap between a closed member and a fixed member. The method includes applying a liquid agent having a transferable property along one or more areas of a stamping member. The stamping member is one of the closed member and the fixed member. The method also includes: engaging the closed member with the fixed member; disengaging the closed member from the fixed member; and evaluating the seal gap between the closed member and the fixed member based on one or more residual patterns formed on the stamped member, the stamped member being the other of the closed member and the fixed member. The one or more residual patterns are formed by the liquid agent transferred from the stamping member.

[0007] In another form, the method further comprises removing the liquid agent from the stamping member and the stamped member.

[0008] In yet another form, evaluating the sealing gap further comprises: performing a visual inspection of the one or more residual patterns; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when a size of a residual pattern in the one or more residual patterns is greater than a known reference.

[0009] In one form, evaluating the sealing gap further comprises: measuring a size of at least one of the one or more residual patterns; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when the measured size exceeds a set threshold.

[0010] In another form, the closure member and the fixed member are a door assembly and a door opening, respectively, defined by a vehicle body.

[0011] In yet another form, the liquid agent is a washable paint.

[0012] In one form, the liquid agent is applied to a seal disposed on the stamping member.

[0013] In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a method for measuring a sealing gap between a closing member and a fixed member, and the method includes printing a base mark on a stamping member with a liquid agent. The stamping member is one of the closing member and the fixed member. The method also includes: closing the closing member to the fixed member; opening the closing member; and analyzing a residual pattern formed on the stamped member by transferring the liquid agent from the base mark to measure the sealing gap between the closing member and the fixed member. The stamped member is the other of the closing member and the fixed member.

[0014] In another form, the method further comprises erasing the base mark and the residual pattern.

[0015] In yet another form, the base indicia is printed on a seal attached to the stamping member.

[0016] In one form, the residual pattern is formed on a seal attached to the impressed member.

[0017] In another form, the closing member is the stamping member and the fixing member is the stamped member.

[0018] In yet another form, the closing member is the pressed member and the fixing member is the stamping member.

[0019] In one form, analyzing the residual pattern further comprises: performing a visual inspection of the residual pattern; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when a size of the residual pattern is greater than a known reference.

[0020] In another form, analyzing the residual pattern further comprises: measuring a size of the residual pattern; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when the measured size exceeds a set threshold.

[0021] In yet another form, the dimension is at least one of a height and a width of the residual pattern.

[0022] In one form, the liquid agent is a washable paint.

[0023] In one form, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle seal gap measurement method, the method comprising: printing a mark on one of a panel or a vehicle body with a liquid agent; closing the panel to the vehicle body; opening the panel; and evaluating interference between the panel and the vehicle body based on a residual pattern formed on the other of the panel and the vehicle body by transferring the liquid agent from the mark. The method also includes removing the liquid agent.

[0024] In another form, the evaluating the interference includes: performing a visual inspection of the residual pattern; and determining that the interference is within a preset tolerance when a size of the residual pattern is greater than a known reference.

[0025] In yet another form, the evaluating the interference further comprises: measuring a size of the residual pattern; and determining that the interference is within a preset tolerance when the measured size exceeds a set threshold.

[0026] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, various forms of the present disclosure given by way of example will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 showing a closing member and a fixing member with a seal disposed therebetween;

[0029] Figure 2 A seal gap measurement system according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a seal gap measurement procedure according to the teachings of the present disclosure; and

[0031] 4A to 4F Show Figure 3 Example application of the seal gap measurement procedure.

[0032] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0034] To ensure that the interference between a seal and a component mating with the seal is within the engineering specifications of a particular vehicle, methods and / or systems have been created to identify and quantify the interference of the seal. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,860,067, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, explains a variety of methods for quantifying interference. One such method includes: spraying chalk on one of the mating components; closing the opening and closing panel; opening the opening and closing panel; and determining whether the chalk is transferred to another mating component. Under the chalk test, the remaining chalk may potentially stain the mating surface. Other methods for quantifying interference may require special equipment such as scanners and pressure measurement devices, which avoid staining the mating surface but may require additional time to perform.

[0035] The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring seal gaps that allows accurate measurement of interference without damaging the vehicle. Specifically, as further described herein, a liquid agent having specific viscous properties is used to indicate the seal gap and is removable to prevent staining of mating surfaces, thereby preventing damage to the vehicle.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 , the sealing gap measurement system of the present disclosure is generally applicable to a mating configuration in which one member is a closed member 100 (i.e., a closed panel) that is operable to open and close relative to a fixed member 102. A seal 104 is positioned between members 100 and 102 to form a sealing area therebetween. In the accompanying drawings, the seal 104 is attached to the fixed member 102 and directly interfaces with the surface of the closed member 100, or in other words, directly mates with the surface of the closed member 100. However, other suitable configurations of closed members, seals, and fixed members are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the seal 104 may be attached to the closed member 100 to mate with the fixed member 102. In addition, the member with which the seal 104 mates includes a component that is configured to contact the seal (such as a sealing strip).

[0037] Hereinafter, the member of the closing member and the fixing member that receives the liquid agent is referred to as the stamping member, and the other member is referred to as the stamped member. The stamping member may also be referred to as the first mating member, and the stamped member as the second mating member.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 , the sealing gap system 200 of the present disclosure includes a liquid agent 202, an applicator 204, a wiper 206 and a measuring device 208. In one form, the liquid agent 202 is a removable type of liquid and has a color that is visually different from the components 100 and 102. The viscosity of the liquid agent 202 is selected so that the liquid is viscous enough to maintain the shape of the applicator 204, but is wet enough so that the liquid can be transferred from one component to another component to form a residual pattern (i.e., footprint) on the other component. In one form, the liquid agent 202 is provided as a washable paint with contrasting colors such as green, yellow, etc. Other suitable liquids such as gel or paste can also be used as the liquid agent.

[0039] The operator uses the applicator 204 to apply the liquid agent 202 to the stamping member. In one form, the applicator 204 includes a head 210 having a stamping surface 212 and a handle 214. The size of the stamping surface 212 of the head 210 can be customized and based on specific measurement parameters and tolerances associated with the sealing gap. For example, if the acceptable sealing gap is defined as having a set threshold of a width (W) of 15 mm ± 3 mm and / or a height (H) of 7 mm ± 1 mm, the surface 212 can have a width of 15 mm and a height of 7 mm. The head 210 can be made of reusable and / or recyclable materials, or can be a disposable material. The hardness of the head 210 is selected so that the material is soft enough to easily print the liquid agent onto the stamping member, but hard enough to substantially maintain the shape of the stamping surface 212 and the measurement of the stamping surface 212. For example, the head 210 can be made of a foam material, a sponge-like material, and / or a rubber / silicone-like material.

[0040] A measuring device 208 is used to measure one or more dimensions of the residual pattern on the stamped member after closing and opening of the closure member. For example, the dimensions may include the width and / or height of the residual pattern. In one form, the measuring device 208 is a caliper; however, other suitable measuring devices such as a ruler may also be used. Once the measurements are taken, the wiper 206 is operable to remove or wipe the liquid agent 202 from the stamping member and the stamped member. In one form, the wiper 206 includes a cloth that can be soaked with a solution such as water or a cleaning product. The wiper 206 may be other suitable devices such as a sponge and a scraper.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 and 4A to 4F , describes the seal gap measurement procedure for measuring the seal gap between two mating surfaces. 4A to 4F4, the closed component is a vehicle door 402, and the fixed component is a vehicle door opening 404 defined by a vehicle body. As depicted, a seal 406 is disposed along the vehicle door opening 404 and is arranged to seal a gap between the vehicle door 402 and the vehicle door opening 404 when the vehicle door 402 is closed. Although the sealing gap measurement procedure is described in association with a vehicle door and a vehicle door opening, the procedure may be performed with other suitable closed components and fixed components, and should not be limited to vehicle doors.

[0042] exist Figure 3 At 302, a liquid agent is applied to one or more areas of the stamping member using an applicator. For example, in one form, the liquid agent is applied to multiple designated feature areas along the stamping member to form multiple base marks. The designated feature areas are areas of interest for a particular interface being tested, and thus may vary based on the interface or even vehicle type. For example, in Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the embodiment of the present invention, a liquid agent (e.g., paint) is applied along a seal 406 attached to a door opening 404 (e.g., a stamping member) using an applicator 410. As shown, the amount of liquid agent is sufficient to form a base mark 412 substantially similar to the stamping surface of the applicator 410. Although the base mark 412 is printed at four characteristic areas 4141-4144 along the seal, any suitable number of base marks may be printed. Alternatively, in another form, the liquid agent is applied to the entire sealing surface of the stamping member to form one base mark rather than a plurality of segmented base marks. Therefore, the sealing gap of the entire sealing surface of the stamping member is tested.

[0043] At 304, the closure member is closed, or in other words, engaged with the securing member. In one form, the closure member should be gently closed until the closure member engages with the securing member and, if applicable, latches to the vehicle. For example, referring to Figure 4C , gently close the vehicle door 402 (eg, closing member) until it is aligned with the vehicle door opening 404 (eg, securing member), and slowly apply pressure to the vehicle door 402 until it latches (ie, couples or engages).

[0044] At 306, the closure member is opened, and at 308, the residual pattern on the stamped member formed by transferring the liquid agent from the stamping member is analyzed. Figure 4D and Figure 4EIn one embodiment, the door 402 is opened and a residual pattern 420 is provided at one or more areas of the door corresponding to the base mark 412 printed at the characteristic area of ​​the door opening 404. In one form, the color of the liquid agent allows the residual pattern to undergo visual inspection, wherein an operator identifies a residual pattern that is smaller or larger than a known reference, such as the originally printed base mark, the stamped surface of the applicator, or a known shape. In another form, in addition to or in lieu of visual inspection, a measuring tool is used to measure one or more dimensions of the residual pattern, such as Figure 4E Depicted.

[0045] At 310, based on the analysis of 308, it is determined whether the sealing gap is within the preset range. For example, for visual inspection, a residual pattern of a pattern that is smaller than a known reference (e.g., a stamped surface of an applicator) indicates that the interference between the door opening and the door (i.e., the interference between two mating components) is insufficient, and therefore, the sealing gap is determined to be outside the preset tolerance. Alternatively, a residual pattern of a pattern that is larger than a known reference indicates that the interference between the door opening and the door is sufficient, and therefore, the sealing gap is determined to be within the preset tolerance. In another form, when measuring the residual pattern, the measured dimensions such as height and / or width are compared with preset thresholds to determine whether the sealing gap is within the preset tolerance. If the measured dimension is greater than or equal to the set threshold, it is determined that the sealing gap is within the preset tolerance. Alternatively, if the measured dimension is less than the set threshold, it is determined that the sealing gap is outside the set tolerance. In one form, each of the residual patterns is analyzed to determine whether the sealing gap at the feature area is within the preset tolerance range.

[0046] If the seal gap is within a preset tolerance, then at 312 the sample (e.g., vehicle) may be marked for further testing to address the interference issue. For example, if more than one residual pattern identifies that the seal gap is insufficient, then the sample may be marked for further testing. In another example, if the majority of the residual patterns identify that the seal gap is sufficient, then the sample may not be marked for further testing. Other suitable conditions for determining whether to mark a sample for further evaluation based on analysis of the residual patterns are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] If the seal gap is within the preset tolerance or after marking the sample, the liquid agent is removed from the stamping member and the stamped member at 314. For example, Figure 4F In the embodiment, cloth 422 (ie, wiper) is used to remove the liquid agent from the door and door opening. Therefore, the vehicle is not destroyed or damaged.

[0048] The seal gap measurement method and / or procedure measures the seal gap without damaging the vehicle. For example, using a washable or in other words removable liquid, it is easy to remove residual liquid from the mating components with, for example, a damp cloth. Such an operation does not leave residues as are typically found in other processes such as chalk-based measurement operations. The seal gap measurement method and / or system of the present disclosure visually highlights mating areas with potential seal gap problems so that seals can be adjusted to address these problems, which potential seal gap problems can result in wind noise, increased opening and closing forces, and / or water leakage.

[0049] The sealing gap measurement method disclosed in the present invention is applicable to various suitable sealing interfaces of different types of vehicles. For example, the sealing gap measurement method can be suitable for opening and closing panels and fixing components arranged on passenger cars, tractors, buses, heavy vehicles and other suitable vehicles.

[0050] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] According to the present invention, a method for measuring a sealing gap between a closing member and a fixed member is provided, the method being provided as follows: applying a liquid agent having a transferable property along one or more areas of a stamping member, wherein the stamping member is one of the closing member and the fixed member; engaging the closing member with the fixed member; disengaging the closing member from the fixed member; and evaluating the sealing gap between the closing member and the fixed member based on one or more residual patterns formed on the stamped member, wherein the stamped member is the other of the closing member and the fixed member, wherein the one or more residual patterns are formed by the liquid agent transferred from the stamping member.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by removing the liquid agent from the stamping member and the stamped member.

[0053] According to one embodiment, evaluating the sealing gap further comprises: performing a visual inspection of the one or more residual patterns; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when a size of a residual pattern in the one or more residual patterns is greater than a known reference.

[0054] According to one embodiment, evaluating the sealing gap further comprises: measuring a size of at least one of the one or more residual patterns; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when the measured size exceeds a set threshold.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the closing member and the fixing member are a door assembly and a door opening, respectively, defined by a vehicle body.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the liquid agent is a washable paint.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the liquid agent is applied to a seal provided on the stamping member.

[0058] According to the present invention, a method for measuring a sealing gap between a closing member and a fixing member is provided, the method being: printing a base mark on a stamping member with a liquid agent, wherein the stamping member is one of the closing member and the fixing member; closing the closing member onto the fixing member; opening the closing member; and analyzing a residual pattern formed on the stamped member by transferring the liquid agent from the base mark to measure the sealing gap between the closing member and the fixing member, wherein the stamped member is the other of the closing member and the fixing member.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by erasing the base mark and the residual pattern.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the base marking is printed on a seal attached to the stamping member.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the residual pattern is formed on a seal attached to the impressed member.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the closing member is the stamping member and the fixing member is the stamped member.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the closing member is the pressed member and the fixing member is the stamping member.

[0064] According to one embodiment, analyzing the residual pattern further comprises: performing a visual inspection of the residual pattern; and determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance when a size of the residual pattern is larger than a known reference.

[0065] According to one embodiment, analyzing the residual pattern further comprises: measuring a size of the residual pattern; and when the measured size exceeds a set threshold, determining that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the size is at least one of a height and a width of the residual pattern.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the liquid agent is a washable paint.

[0068] According to the present invention, a vehicle sealing gap measurement method is provided by: printing a mark on one of a panel or a vehicle body with a liquid agent; closing the panel on the vehicle body; opening the panel; evaluating the interference between the panel and the vehicle body based on a residual pattern formed on the other of the panel and the vehicle body by transferring the liquid agent from the mark; and removing the liquid agent.

[0069] According to one embodiment, evaluating the interference further comprises: performing a visual inspection of the residual pattern; and determining that the interference is within a preset tolerance when a size of the residual pattern is larger than a known reference.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the evaluating the interference further comprises: measuring a size of the residual pattern; and when the measured size exceeds a set threshold, determining that the interference is within a preset tolerance.

Claims

1. A method for measuring a sealing gap between a closing member and a fixing member, the method comprising: printing a base mark on a stamping member using an applicator having a stamping surface and a liquid agent, wherein a size of the base mark indicates a size of the stamping surface of the applicator, and wherein the stamping member is one of the closing member and the fixing member; closing the closure member onto the fixing member; opening the closing member; as well as analyzing a residual pattern formed on a pressed member by transferring the liquid agent from the base mark to measure the sealing gap between the closing member and the fixing member, wherein the pressed member is the other of the closing member and the fixing member, Wherein analyzing the residual pattern comprises: Performing detection on the residual pattern; as well as The sealing gap is determined to be within a preset tolerance when the size of the residual pattern is greater than a known reference, wherein the known reference is based on the base mark or the stamping surface of the applicator.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the liquid agent from the stamping member and the fixing member after analyzing the residual pattern.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the base indicia is printed on a seal attached to the stamping member.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the residual pattern is formed on a seal attached to the stamped member.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing member is the stamping member and the fixing member is the stamped member.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing member is the pressed member and the fixing member is the stamping member.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detecting of the residual pattern comprises: Visual inspection of the residual pattern is performed.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein analyzing the residual pattern further comprises: measuring a size of the residual pattern; as well as When the measured dimension exceeds a set threshold, it is determined that the sealing gap is within a preset tolerance. 9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the size is at least one of a height and a width of the residual pattern.

10. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid agent is a washable paint.

11. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of said base marks are printed on said stamping member.

12. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the base marks is printed on the stamping member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one base indicia extends along a sealing surface of the stamping member.

14. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing member and the fixing member are a door assembly and a door opening, respectively, defined by a vehicle body.

15. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the applicator comprises a head having the stamping surface.

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