Door Seal Integrating Lower and Intersection Portions for Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door seal structures with separate arch and lower seal portions result in a poor external appearance due to visibility of the painted surface at their joint, while maintaining drainage capacity is essential.
Innovation Solution
A door seal structure with an integrally formed lower seal and intersection seal portions, featuring a drainage hole on the upper edge of the lower seal portion and a substantially triangular connecting plate, which enhances drainage efficiency and conceals the painted surface, along with a drainage channel and hooked cover to improve aesthetics and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate arch seal portion and lower seal portion are used, then drainage capacity is ensured, but external appearance deteriorates due to visibility of painted surface at joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arch seal portion and lower seal portion into a single integrated seal member with a continuous structure. The integrally formed seal body eliminates the joint between separate portions, thereby concealing the painted surface and improving external appearance while maintaining drainage functionality through strategically positioned drainage holes.
2Productivity
If drainage hole is positioned at intersection of lower seal portion and intersection seal portion, then drainage efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning drainage holes specifically at the intersection region where water is most likely to accumulate. This localized approach to drainage hole placement maximizes drainage efficiency at the critical area without requiring complex structural modifications throughout the entire seal member.
3Shape
If integrally formed seal member is used, then external appearance is improved by concealing painted surface, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrally formed seal member into distinct functional regions (arch seal portion, lower seal portion, connecting portion) that can be designed and molded separately in a multi-cavity mold. This segmentation approach allows for simplified manufacturing while maintaining the aesthetic benefits of an integrated appearance from the exterior.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal member includes a seal body in which a lower seal portion along a lower edge of a door and an intersection seal portion that follows an edge of the door intersecting the lower edge are formed integrally with each other, and a drainage hole that opens on an upper edge side of the lower seal portion and via which a vehicle interior side of the lower seal portion is in communication with a vehicle exterior side of the lower seal portion. The seal member is installed on an edge portion of an inner surface of the door and interposed between the door and a vehicle body when the door is closed.