Vehicle Door Seal Moisture Drainage Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture entering the seam between a vehicle door and door frame can freeze, causing the door to become stuck and potentially damaging the latch and door when users attempt to force it open.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door seal with a flow passage and projection that directs excess moisture downwardly away from the latch mechanism, preventing it from freezing and causing operational issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is positioned above the latch mechanism to block moisture, then moisture protection is improved, but moisture may accumulate on the seal and freeze causing door sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful moisture accumulation problem by creating a dedicated drainage pathway. The seal includes an internal flow passage that channels moisture away from the latch mechanism and a downwardly extending projection that directs accumulated moisture away from the seal, preventing freezing damage while maintaining the seal's protective position above the latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage and projection act as intermediary structures between the seal and the external environment. They provide a controlled pathway for moisture to exit the seal, mediating between the need to block moisture entry and the need to prevent moisture accumulation and freezing on the seal itself.
2Ease of manufacture
If the seal structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but moisture drainage capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into functional zones: a main seal body for blocking moisture entry, an internal flow passage for channeling moisture, and a downwardly extending projection for directing drainage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity through integration into a single molded piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated seal component. The seal body, flow passage, and projection are formed as one piece, combining moisture blocking, channeling, and drainage functions. This integration simplifies manufacturing compared to using separate components while ensuring reliable moisture drainage through the combined structure.
3Reliability
If the seal extends lower to improve sealing contact, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal is closer to the latch mechanism increasing freezing risk
Solution Approach 1:
The seal exhibits local quality variations through its structured design. The main seal body provides dense sealing contact with the door frame, while the internal flow passage and downwardly extending projection create localized drainage zones. This allows the seal to maintain effective sealing contact while having specific regions dedicated to moisture channeling and drainage away from the latch mechanism.
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
Effectively channels moisture away from the latch mechanism, preventing freezing and damage, ensuring smooth door operation even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A seal for a vehicle door is positioned above the latch mechanism and includes a flow passage structured so as to direct moisture downwardly along a projection
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door seal includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending from the first wall portion, the first wall portion and second wall portion combining to define a flow passage. A projection extends from an exterior surface of the second wall portion along an entire length of the second wall portion. The projection is structured to convey excess moisture from a relatively higher portion of the seal downwardly toward another, relatively lower portion of the seal for drainage.