Single B-Pillar Applique Structure for Flush Door Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door arrangements in vehicles often have multiple visible vertical lines and gaps between windows, which can compromise the aesthetic appeal and sealing integrity, particularly at the B-pillar region.
Innovation Solution
A door arrangement featuring a single applique mounted between the front and rear door windows, supported by a rigid applique support connected to the rear door bodywork, ensuring flush surfaces and minimal gaps, enhanced structural stiffness, and integrated sealing mechanisms to minimize visibility and improve sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple separate appliques are used for front and rear door windows, then each window can be sealed independently, but multiple visible vertical lines and gaps appear compromising aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the front applique and rear applique into a single continuous applique structure that spans across both front and rear door windows. This single applique is rigidly connected to the rear door bodywork and extends forward to seal both windows, eliminating the need for separate appliques and their associated visible lines and gaps.
2Shape
If a single applique is used between front and rear door windows, then aesthetic appearance is improved with only three visible vertical lines, but the applique requires rigid connection to rear door bodywork increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The single applique serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a seal for both the front door window and rear door window, provides structural reinforcement to the rear door bodywork, and maintains the aesthetic appearance. By consolidating these functions into one component, the patent reduces overall structural complexity despite the rigid connection requirement.
3Reliability
If applique extends beyond window edge in longitudinal direction, then window sealing is facilitated, but visible gaps and protrusions increase affecting aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the single applique to extend beyond the window edges only in the longitudinal direction where sealing is required, while maintaining a flush profile in other areas. The applique's cross-section varies locally to provide sealing contact at the window edges while presenting a smooth exterior surface that aligns with the door bodywork.
Data Source
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AI summary
An applique arrangement (33) for a vehicle (10) which has a front door (14) with a front door window (18) and a rear door (16) with a rear door window (20), the applique arrangement comprising a single applique (30) which is configured to be arranged between the front door window (18) and the rear door window (20), an applique support (54; 114;56‴) to which the applique (30) is mounted, characterized in that the applique support (54;114;56‴) is configured to be rigidly connected to one of a rear door bodywork (52), a front door bodywork (53), or a B-pillar (56‴) of a body (12) of the vehicle (10).