Elastomer Run Seal Protruding Ribs for Vehicle Door Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing elastomer run seals in motor vehicle side doors have a large gap that allows the glass panel to move or vibrate, compromising security by allowing unauthorized access when forced open, due to the size difference between the gap and the panel guide.
Innovation Solution
The gap size is optimized by using protruding ribs on the inner branch of the run seal, which change from a larger size in the preliminary mounting position to a smaller size in the final mounting position, ensuring the panel guide is trapped between the outer and inner branches, reducing the gap and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gap between the inner and outer branches of the run seal is made large, then the panel guide can be easily engaged, but the glass panel can move or vibrate excessively compromising security
Solution Approach 1:
The run seal is designed with dynamic characteristics where the gap between inner and outer branches changes during operation. Initially, the gap is large to facilitate easy engagement of the panel guide. Once engaged, the run seal deforms elastically to reduce the gap size, thereby securing the glass panel and preventing excessive movement or vibration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of engagement and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the gap size is changed from a large initial state to a reduced final state. The run seal material and geometry are designed to allow this parameter change through elastic deformation when the panel guide is engaged. This parameter change enables the system to transition from an open engagement state to a secure locked state, addressing both ease of operation and reliability requirements.
2Reliability
If the gap size is reduced to improve security, then the glass panel is securely held, but the panel guide engagement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The run seal is pre-configured with a large gap between the inner and outer branches before engagement. This preliminary state facilitates easy insertion and engagement of the panel guide. After engagement, the run seal naturally deforms to reduce the gap, achieving secure holding without requiring forceful engagement. The preliminary action of maintaining a large gap resolves the contradiction by making engagement easy while still achieving secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The run seal acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the engagement forces. The elastic material allows the panel guide to be engaged easily by deforming under the applied force, then maintains a reduced gap to secure the panel. This beforehand cushioning through elastic deformation enables easy engagement while ensuring subsequent security, resolving the contradiction between the two requirements.
3Reliability
If the run seal is designed with a U-shaped cross section, then sealing is achieved, but the gap allows excessive panel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped run seal with inner and outer branches is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The gap between branches allows the seal to adapt during engagement, initially providing easy access for the panel guide, then deforming to reduce the gap and stabilize the panel position. This dynamic behavior maintains sealing performance while improving position stability, resolving the contradiction between the two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the run seal, specifically the gap size between inner and outer branches, are designed to change from a larger initial value to a smaller final value. This parameter change allows the seal to maintain its U-shaped configuration for sealing while dynamically adjusting the gap to prevent excessive panel movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealing performance and position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle side door includes a glass panel, a frame, and an elastomer run seal. The elastomer run seal includes at least one protruding rib that is located and dimensioned so as to be able to come into abutment against a free end of an inner wall of the frame when the at least one ascending strand is in a preliminary mounting position on the frame, and to be able to come into abutment against an inner wall of the frame when the at least one ascending strand is in a final mounting position on the frame, a gap between both inner and outer walls having a size which is higher when the run seal is in the preliminary mounting position than when it is in the final mounting position.