Encapsulated Vehicle Window Seal with Interlocking Bonding Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encapsulated vehicle window assemblies require additional reinforcing members for structural support, increasing costs and complexity in the molding process, while also being less adaptable to dimensional variations and thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric seal with interlocking male and female portions is molded onto the transparent glass substrate, providing multiple support points and eliminating the need for a reinforcing member, which is further secured by a bonding flange during installation, using thermoplastic elastomer materials with specific properties for flexibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional reinforcing members are used for structural support, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcing member and seal member into a single integrated polymeric component. The seal member includes an integrated reinforcing portion that provides structural support without requiring separate reinforcing members, thereby simplifying the molding process and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural stability.
2Strength
If a rigid reinforcing member is used, then structural support is improved, but adaptability to dimensional variations and thermal expansion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polymeric materials with specific physical properties that allow the seal member to change its dimensions and shape in response to thermal expansion and dimensional variations. The material parameters (flexibility, elasticity) are selected to enable the seal to adapt to various conditions while maintaining structural support through its integrated reinforcing portion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple support means are used, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple support functions into a single polymeric seal member component. The seal member includes a base portion, locking portion, and integrated reinforcing portion that work together as one molded component, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining structural stability.
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
The solution achieves a cost-effective, simplified molding process and enhanced structural stability, allowing the seal to conform to various vehicle shapes and sizes, while providing a weather-tight seal and reducing the effort required to close vehicle doors, with improved resistance to thermal expansion and rough edges.
Implementation Method 1
thermoplastic elastomer materials with specific properties for flexibility and durability
Implementation Method 2
adaptability to dimensional variations and thermal expansion
Implementation Method 3
secured by a bonding flange during installation
Data Source
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AI summary
An encapsulated vehicle window assembly (10) has, as a component thereof, a polymeric seal member (14) surrounding at least a peripheral portion of a transparent glass substrate (12), the polymeric seal having interlocking portions (30, 40). A method of installing the encapsulated vehicle window assembly in a vehicle body opening is also an aspect of the invention.