Continuous Seal Hinge for Tiltable Vehicle Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge assemblies for tiltable vehicle windows, particularly in agricultural and construction vehicles, face challenges such as insufficient access for cleaning due to limited space, dust and moisture ingress, and seal longevity issues due to friction and interruption at the hinge height.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a transverse hinge shaft and continuous seal between fixed and rotatable frame parts, featuring three zones and a balloon-shaped seal with a friction-reducing layer, allowing for tilting without interrupting the seal and reducing friction, thus enhancing dust, moisture, and noise protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seal is interrupted at the hinge height to allow rotation, then the window can be tilted open for cleaning, but dust and moisture ingress and noise attenuation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal element that can deform and bend to accommodate the rotational movement of the window at the hinge location. This flexible membrane maintains the sealing function while allowing the necessary mechanical motion, preventing dust and moisture ingress while enabling cleaning access.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to adapt its shape and position during window rotation. The seal element can dynamically adjust to the changing geometry between the fixed and movable frame parts, maintaining continuous sealing contact throughout the range of motion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal is continuous at the hinge height, then dust and moisture protection is improved, but frictional forces increase and seal longevity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design implements local quality variations, with different sections of the seal having different properties. The portion at the hinge location is designed with specific friction-reducing characteristics, while other sections maintain standard sealing properties. This localized optimization reduces overall frictional forces while preserving continuous sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element or coating at the hinge region that mediates between the seal and the frame parts. This intermediary layer reduces direct frictional contact while maintaining the sealing function, thereby extending seal longevity without compromising protection against dust and moisture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge assembly (1) with continuous seal, comprising: - a hinge shaft (10), a fixed hinge part (20) and a rotatable hinge part (30); - a fixed frame part (40) and a rotatable frame part (50), which respectively comprises a parallel profile element (42, 52); and - a seal (60) that is affixed continuously to the profile element (52) of the rotatable frame part (50) and configured so that it bridges the distance between the two profile elements (42, 52) in the closed position.