Three-Layer Co-Extruded Vehicle Window Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window seal assemblies for motor vehicles face challenges in providing a robust weatherseal, enhancing vehicle acoustics, maintaining a uniform appearance, and resisting fading or discoloration over time, while being economically producible and aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A window seal assembly featuring a three-layer co-extrusion design, comprising a first elastomeric layer for mounting and sealing, a second elastomeric layer for flexibility and sealing, and a third thermoplastic vulcanizate layer for durability and aesthetics, which covers visible segments to provide a uniform appearance and resist environmental effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used to form window seal members, then functional performance is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates over time due to fading and discoloration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple elastomeric materials with different properties in a single sealing member. The first elastomeric material provides weathersealing functionality, while the second elastomeric material provides UV resistance and color stability. This composite structure allows the member to simultaneously achieve functional performance and maintain aesthetic appearance over time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spray coating is applied to provide uniform appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating UV-resistant elastomeric material and colorants directly into the sealing member during the extrusion molding process, before the product is completed. This eliminates the need for post-manufacturing spray coating operations, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring uniform appearance and UV resistance throughout the visible portions of the member.
3Reliability
If multi-material header profiles are designed, then weathersealing performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elastomeric materials into a single co-extruded profile using continuous extrusion molding processes. This allows different materials with distinct functions (weathersealing, UV resistance, color stability) to be combined in one manufacturing step, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing overall manufacturing cost despite the multi-material composition.
4Reliability
If elastomeric materials are used for window seal members, then functional performance is achieved, but oil and chemical leaching occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where the second elastomeric material layer acts as a barrier to chemical leaching. This outer layer is specifically selected to be resistant to oil and chemical migration, preventing harmful substances from leaching into the environment or surrounding components while the inner elastomeric layers maintain the weathersealing functional performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing member for a vehicle opening includes a first co-extrusion layer formed from a first elastomeric composition, a second co-extrusion layer formed from a second elastomeric composition, and a third co-extrusion layer formed from a thermoplastic vulcanizate composition. The first co-extrusion layer defines a mounting channel, a window channel, and a front face spaced from the mounting channel and the window channel. The second co-extrusion layer has a portion disposed on the front face of the first co-extrusion layer and a sealing lip disposed on the first co-extrusion layer abutting the portion and extending away from the first co-extrusion layer towards a distal end. The third co-extrusion layer is disposed on the portion and the sealing lip of the second co-extrusion layer for covering segments of the second co-extrusion layer that are visible from an exterior of the vehicle.