Vehicle Closure Panel Collapsible Member Fluid Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle closure panels lack innovative features and functionality that cater to consumer desires, particularly in terms of weather sealing and fluid drainage during open positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle closure panel system featuring a support member and a collapsible member with a fluid drainage system, comprising sections with drainage apertures and a housing that slopes to facilitate fluid exit, made from fluid-repellent materials, allowing the panel to transition between stowed and deployed positions while maintaining weather sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closure panel is kept in the open position for extended periods, then user convenience is improved, but water accumulation and weather damage to the vehicle interior worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is pre-configured within the closure panel structure, with drainage channels and apertures positioned to automatically channel water away from the vehicle interior. The collapsible member with integrated drainage apertures is designed to activate automatically when water accumulates, draining fluid before it can cause damage to the interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible member acts as an intermediary element between the closure panel and the vehicle interior. It features integrated drainage apertures that serve as a mediator to channel water away from the interior space, preventing direct contact between accumulated water and the vehicle interior while maintaining the closure panel's operational functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional sealing methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but weather-blocking capacity during open positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure panel is segmented into multiple functional components: a rigid closure panel structure, a collapsible member with integrated drainage apertures, and a support member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the rigid panel provides structural integrity, while the collapsible member with drainage apertures provides weather-blocking and drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure panel employs composite construction combining rigid structural elements with flexible collapsible members. The rigid closure panel provides structural support, while the collapsible member made of flexible material with integrated drainage apertures provides weather sealing and drainage capabilities, creating a composite system that achieves superior weather-blocking capacity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the closure panel structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but fluid drainage capability during open positions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage functionality is merged directly into the collapsible member structure. The collapsible member incorporates integrated drainage apertures within its walls, combining the structural support function with the fluid drainage function in a single component. This eliminates the need for separate drainage channels or components, achieving effective fluid drainage without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If weather sealing features are added to improve consumer appeal, then market competitiveness is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, weather sealing, and fluid drainage capabilities. The integrated drainage apertures in the collapsible member walls enable it to perform multiple functions - maintaining structural integrity while preventing water ingress and facilitating drainage, thereby improving weather sealing performance without requiring multiple separate components.
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
Enhances weather-blocking capacity and fluid management, ensuring effective sealing and drainage during open positions, addressing consumer demands for desirable features in vehicle closure panels.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second sections are made from a fluid-repellent material; and the first and second sections are coated in a fluid-repellent coating
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body that defines an aperture. A closure panel is coupled to the body and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The closure panel covers the aperture when the closure panel is in the closed position. A support member has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the body. The second end is coupled to the closure panel. The support member is operable between a compressed position and an extended position. The extended position of the support member corresponds with the open position of the closure panel. A collapsible member is coupled to the body and the support member. The collapsible member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The collapsible member includes a first section and a second section. The collapsible member also includes a fluid drainage system.