Angled Plastic Drainage Part for Laser-Welded Auto Roofs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water drainage systems for motor vehicle roofs, especially those with laser-welded structures, often result in water retention volumes due to the lack of suitable evacuation paths, particularly for large sunroofs without a traditional roof gouge.
Innovation Solution
An angled plastic part with a first end for connection to an engagement means, such as a blind-fitting nut, and a second end for connection to a water discharge pipe, which includes features like clipping means and a polarizing finger for orientation, is used to facilitate water drainage from the roof, along with a manufacturing method involving plastic injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pipe attached under a welded plate is used for water drainage, then water can be evacuated from roofs with conventional structures, but water retention volumes are generated and the solution is not suitable for laser-welded roof structures
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the water drainage function into separate components: an engagement means for fixing to the roof structure and an angled plastic part for guiding water. This segmentation allows adaptation to different roof types without creating water retention volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means is designed with universal applicability to work with both conventional welded plates and laser-welded roof structures. The standardized interface allows the same device to be used across different vehicle models and roof configurations, eliminating the need for structure-specific drainage solutions.
2Reliability
If a reinforcement plate is mounted on the side of the roof for laser-welded structures, then water evacuation is possible, but water retention volumes are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The angled plastic part acts as an intermediary element that connects the engagement means to the water discharge pipe. It provides a smooth transition path for water flow, preventing stagnation and eliminating water retention volumes while maintaining reliable evacuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled plastic part introduces a dimensional transition from the vertical engagement means to the horizontal discharge pipe. This angular configuration creates an optimal flow path that prevents water accumulation and ensures complete drainage without retention volumes.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized plastic part is used for water drainage, then assembly is simplified and adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic part is designed with optimized geometric parameters including specific angle measurements and dimensional tolerances. These parameter changes ensure proper fit and function while maintaining manufacturability through standardized injection molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled plastic part features asymmetric geometry with specific orientation requirements. The polarizing finger and clipping means are positioned asymmetrically to ensure correct installation orientation, which simplifies assembly by preventing incorrect installation while maintaining manufacturing precision through molded-in features.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a water-removing arrangement for an automobile, characterized in that the device is provided as an angled plastic part (1) including a first end (3), connectable to a means (2) for inserting a metal sheet (8) of an automobile, and a second end (5), connectable to a water removal pipe.