Convertible Top Glass Window Retainer Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing glass windows in soft auto tops, such as bonding directly to vinyl or canvas materials, face challenges like bond failure, high labor and tooling costs, aesthetic issues, and difficulty in replacing or adding multiple windows, due to the inherent difficulty in bonding glass to these materials.
Innovation Solution
A metal retainer ring is used as an intermediary between the soft top material and the glass window, allowing for separate attachment of the glass to the ring and the soft top to the ring, using adhesives and a urethane sealant for a secure and cosmetic-friendly installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass window is bonded directly to soft top material using glues or silicones, then bonding is achieved, but bond reliability is low and window may fall out or leak water
Solution Approach 1:
A metal ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the glass window and the soft top material. The metal ring provides a reliable bonding surface for both the glass (via adhesive applied to the ring's inner surface) and the soft top material (via adhesive applied to the ring's outer surface), eliminating the direct bonding problem between glass and soft top materials.
2Device complexity
If glass window is bonded directly to soft top material, then installation is simplified, but expensive tooling and equipment are required to achieve required bond
Solution Approach 1:
The metal ring serves as a reusable intermediary component that eliminates the need for expensive specialized bonding equipment. The ring can be repeatedly installed and removed, allowing standard adhesive application tools to be used instead of costly proprietary tooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is segmented into three separate components: the glass window, the metal ring, and the soft top material. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes and assembled using simple adhesive application, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If glass window is bonded directly to soft top material, then installation process is simplified, but high degree of skilled labor is required making process labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The metal ring provides a standardized interface that simplifies the bonding process to basic adhesive application and pressing operations. This eliminates the need for skilled labor to perform complex bonding techniques, allowing unskilled or minimally trained workers to install windows quickly and consistently.
4Ease of manufacture
If glass window is bonded directly to soft top material, then installation is achieved, but aesthetic appearance is poor due to unappealing outside joint
Solution Approach 1:
The metal ring is positioned at the perimeter of the glass window where it meets the soft top material, creating a clean, defined edge that improves cosmetic appearance. The ring can be painted or finished to match the vehicle's exterior, making the joint between glass and soft top aesthetically pleasing rather than unappealing.
5Adaptability or versatility
If glass window is bonded directly to soft top material, then single window installation is achieved, but replacing broken window or adding multiple windows is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into removable components (glass window and metal ring as one unit, soft top material as another), the design enables easy replacement of broken windows by simply removing the ring from the soft top and installing a new ring with a replacement glass window. Multiple windows can also be installed using the same standardized ring design.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal ring creates a dynamic, reversible connection between the glass window and soft top material. The bonding is strong during use but can be easily reversed by applying heat or solvent to the adhesive, allowing for window replacement or reconfiguration without permanent damage to the soft top material.
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
This method provides a faster, more reliable, and cost-effective installation with improved aesthetics and functionality, enabling multiple glass windows in a soft top without the need for expensive machinery or skilled labor.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive is applied to the ring and the portion of the top extending past the ring
Implementation Method 2
A bonding agent, such as an automotive urethane sealant, is then applied to the auto top in the area of the auto top that the window will be attached to
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible top having a glass window attached to the top by positioning a ring around a window opening in the soft top and wrapping an edge of the window opening around at least a portion of the ring. An adhesive is positioned between the edge portion of the ring and the soft top and the glass window is positioned over the ring and secured thereto by an adhesive.