Clip-in Vehicle Window Assembly with U-shaped Fastener Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window assembly methods for vehicles, such as using urethane adhesive or threaded studs, are time-consuming and expensive, requiring significant investment and handling of nuts, which complicates the assembly process and increases costs without improving performance.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly featuring a glazing panel with a gasket and U-shaped fastener clips that securely clamp to a body panel, eliminating the need for urethane adhesive and threaded fasteners, allowing for quick installation and reduced capital investment by using a snap-fit mechanism and butyl sealant for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If urethane adhesive is used to secure window glass, then the window glass is securely bonded and sealed, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and expensive requiring priming and cure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (urethane adhesive requiring priming and curing) with a mechanical fastening system (clips with resilient arms that clamp the window glass). This mechanical system provides immediate securing without cure time, directly resolving the contradiction between bonding reliability and assembly speed.
2Reliability
If threaded studs with nuts are used to secure window glass, then the window glass is securely fastened, but the process requires handling of nuts and capital equipment increasing cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening function into separate components: the clip body, resilient arms, and locking features are distinct elements that work together. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate nuts and studs, simplifying the overall fastening system while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are designed to be self-installing through snap-fit or press-fit mechanisms where the resilient arms automatically engage and lock the window glass in place without requiring external tools or equipment to drive nuts onto studs.
3Reliability
If traditional bonding methods are used, then secure and sealed window glass is achieved, but significant in-plant investment and handling of materials is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function (through integrated gaskets or sealant applied to the clip) and the fastening function (through the clip structure) into a single integrated component system. This merging eliminates the need for separate bonding operations and material handling, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable sealing.
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 provides a faster, cheaper, and simpler installation process with lower capital investment while maintaining performance, as the snap-fit mechanism and butyl sealant ensure a secure and fluid-tight seal without the need for complex fastening systems.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket secured to the glazing panel for sealing the peripheral edge to the body panel
Implementation Method 2
at least one U-shaped fastener clip having a pair of resilient legs receiving the body panel and the clip receiver therebetween to clamp the clip receiver to the body panel
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly for a vehicle having a body panel comprises, in combination, a glazing panel having a peripheral edge, a gasket secured to the glazing panel for sealing the peripheral edge to the body panel, at least one clip receiver secured to the glazing panel near the peripheral edge, and at least one fastener clip clamping the clip receiver to the body panel. The fastener clip is preferably U-shaped having a pair of resilient legs receiving the body panel and the clip receiver therebetween. The fastener clip is preferably secured to the clip receiver in a manner in which the fastener clip is movable between a shipping position and a securing position. A detent is preferably formed between the fastener clip and the clip receiver to resist removal of the fastener clip from the clip receiver.