Composite Vehicle Panel Lap Joint for Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sweeper vehicles face issues with segment gaps and waterproofing due to butt-jointing and splicing methods, leading to aesthetic and functional problems.
Innovation Solution
A composite material carrying structure for motor vehicles, comprising a frame, an exterior composite material panel, an interior composite material panel, and an R-corner outer frame, where the panels are overlapped and bent to form lap joints, enhancing assembly convenience, reducing gaps, and improving waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If butt-jointing and splicing methods are used for vehicle panels, then assembly is simple and quick, but segment gaps appear and waterproofing is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the interior composite material panel inside the exterior composite material panel, with the interior panel inserted into a groove on the exterior panel. This nested configuration allows the panels to fit together tightly without visible gaps, while maintaining simple assembly through the groove-and-panel insertion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional butt-jointing (surface-level connection) to a multi-dimensional overlapping structure. The interior panel is positioned in a groove and overlaps with the exterior panel in multiple directions, creating a three-dimensional joint that eliminates gaps and improves waterproofing while keeping assembly straightforward.
2Ease of manufacture
If butt-jointing and splicing methods are used for vehicle panels, then assembly is simple and quick, but waterproofing effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the interior panel within the exterior panel creates an overlapping barrier that blocks water penetration paths. The groove structure and panel insertion form a interlocked joint that prevents water from seeping through, achieving reliable waterproofing without complicating the assembly process.
3Reliability
If rubber seal strips are added to achieve waterproofing, then waterproofing is improved, but aging risk increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes rubber seal strips from the waterproofing system entirely. Instead, it relies on the structural design of the overlapping panel joint with the groove insertion, which provides waterproofing through geometry rather than separate sealing components. This eliminates the aging problem associated with rubber materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the interior and exterior panels, providing a mechanical interlock and waterproof barrier without requiring additional sealing materials. This structural mediator replaces the function previously performed by rubber seal strips.
4Ease of manufacture
If overlapping and bending structures are used for panel joints, then assembly convenience and waterproofing are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nesting principle simplifies the overall joint structure by having the interior panel fit into the exterior panel's groove, creating a self-contained assembly. This nested approach reduces the number of separate components and fastening elements needed, thereby reducing structural complexity despite the overlapping configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material carrying structure applied to motor vehicles includes a frame, an exterior composite material panel, an interior composite material panel overlapped with the exterior composite material panel and wrapping the frame together with the exterior composite material panel, and an R-corner outer frame, overlapped on the exterior composite material panel, and on which the interior composite material panel is overlapped. The end of the R-corner outer frame and the end of the exterior composite material panel are bent oppositely and fitted, so that a flow direction of water is effectively guided during drenching, and the waterproof effect is improved. With the frame wrapped by the interior and exterior composite material panels, the overall effect of strengthening a car body is achieved, stress of the car body is effectively shared, the light weight of the car body is improved, and energy consumption is reduced.