Dynamic Mold Seal for Vehicle Window Edge Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing molding apparatuses require multiple soft seals and struggle to mold polymeric materials up to or beyond the edge of a substrate, limiting complexity and aesthetic and functional outcomes, especially in vehicle window applications.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic mold seal with a base, intermediate, straight, and flexible arm portions, including an elbow for 10°+ arc movement, allows a single seal to contact and seal the substrate's edge, enabling molding up to and beyond the edge of a substrate, combined with a movable mold portion to prevent material flow past the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple soft seals are used in opposing relationship on each major surface, then sealing contact is achieved, but molding up to the edge of the substrate is prevented and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing contactVSAvoidseal configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple seal functions into a single dynamic seal assembly that includes both straight and flexible arm portions. This single assembly performs the sealing function that previously required multiple opposing soft seals, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic seal with movable flexible arm portions that can adapt their position during the molding process. This dynamic capability allows the seal to maintain contact with the substrate edge while accommodating variations in positioning, replacing static multiple-seal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple soft seals are used in opposing relationship, then sealing is achieved, but molding up to the edge of the substrate is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing contactVSAvoidmolding capability to edge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible arm portions can dynamically adjust their position and orientation during molding, allowing the seal to maintain contact with the substrate edge while accommodating variations in positioning. This enables molding operations to extend to and beyond the substrate edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal's flexible arm portions can change their geometric parameters (position, angle) during operation, allowing adaptation to different substrate positions and enabling molding up to the edge without compromising sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single dynamic seal is used with flexible arm portions, then molding up to the edge is enabled and device complexity is reduced, but seal stability during molding may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal configurationVSAvoidseal position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible arm portions are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to adapt to positioning variations while maintaining stable sealing contact. The flexibility provides stability through adaptation rather than through rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible arm portions that can deform and adapt to maintain contact. This flexibility allows the seal to accommodate variations in substrate positioning while maintaining stable sealing, replacing rigid multiple-seal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution allows for complex, cost-effective molding of polymeric frames or gaskets on vehicle windows, accommodating varying glass sizes and shapes, and prevents seal dislodgment during the molding process, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible arm portion being capable of moving in an arc of at least 10°

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectArc movement:

Implementation Method 2

the flexible arm being capable of movement due to the presence of the elbow allowing the flexible arm to move into and out of sealing contact with at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the sheet of substrate material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing contact:

Implementation Method 3

closing the upper and lower mold halves causes the at least one movable mold portion to contact the flexible arm and sealingly press the flexible arm against the peripheral edge of the sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing pressure:

Data Source

PatentEP2376269B1Dynamic seal for molding process and method of using

Publication Date: 2018.08.29 PILKINGTON GRP LTD

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AI summary

The invention relates to a dynamic mold seal for use in a method of molding apparatus to mold a polymeric frame or gasket onto the periphery of a glass sheet. The seal and method are preferably utilized to form a vehicle window.