Vehicle Door Triple Sealing Structure for Monocoque Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monocoque type vehicle bodies face challenges in achieving effective sealing between the vehicle body and door frames, particularly due to the simplified manufacturing process and structural limitations, which can lead to issues with rain, dust, noise, and vibration ingress.
Innovation Solution
A triple sealing structure is implemented using an insert flange with multiple weather strips (first, second, and third) mounted along the door opening boundary, combining the side inner, outer reinforce, and roof panels to create a continuous seal between the vehicle interior and exterior, enhancing sealing efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a monocoque type vehicle body with simplified manufacturing process is used, then productivity and cost are improved, but sealing performance between vehicle body and door frame deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into three separate weather strips (first, second, and third) positioned at different locations, and the insert flange is divided into multiple segments (first, second, third, and fourth flanges) that can be independently formed and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific sealing function while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert flange structure is nested within the vehicle body panel assembly, with multiple flanges nested at different levels. The first flange is formed from the side inner panel, the second flange from joints, and the third and fourth flanges from side seal and roof panels, creating a nested configuration that provides cumulative sealing effect while integrating with the monocoque structure.
2Device complexity
If a simple door sealing structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing effectiveness against rain, dust, noise, and vibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different weather strips are positioned at different locations with specific functions: the first weather strip seals the gap between the side inner panel and door frame, the second weather strip seals the gap between the side outer panel and door frame, and the third weather strip provides additional sealing. Each component is designed with local quality optimized for its specific sealing location and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines multiple materials including the insert flange formed from metal panels and joints, rubber or elastomer weather strips for flexible sealing, and adhesive materials for mounting. This composite approach integrates rigid structural components with flexible sealing elements to achieve effective sealing against multiple harmful factors.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment door sealing structure of a monocoque type vehicle body having an overlap of a side inner panel, a side outer reinforce panel, and a side outer panel, and having a side seal panel and a side roof panel combined with the overlap, for providing a seal between a door opening of the vehicle body and a door frame mounted on the door opening is provided. An embodiment door sealing structure includes an insert flange formed toward a vehicle interior along an entirety of a boundary of the door opening over a plurality of joints interconnecting the side inner panel, the side seal panel, and the side roof panel and a first weather strip mounted on the insert flange and configured to form a seal between the vehicle interior and a vehicle exterior.