Fixed Window Module Assembly for Precise Sealing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed window modules in motor vehicles face challenges in achieving a neat finish and effective sealing, leading to aesthetic flaws and air leakage, which compromises vehicle comfort and noise levels due to airflow through the module.
Innovation Solution
A fixed window module design comprising two sub-assemblies with interlocking surfaces, including a longitudinal groove and rib configuration, allows for precise alignment and secure attachment, enhanced by plastic overmolding for high dimensional accuracy and continuous sealing lips for improved air and water tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components (foams, window seals, sealing lips) are used in the fixed window module, then sealing performance is improved, but assembly complexity increases and positioning defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing components (window seals, sealing lips, and door seal portions) into a unified door seal structure that integrates these functions. The door seal includes a first portion adjacent to the fixed window and a second portion adjacent to the mirror base, with outer surfaces positioned adjacent to each other, creating a consolidated sealing system that eliminates the need for separate foam and sealing lip components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple components are assembled during manufacturing, then sealing performance is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to aesthetic flaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sealing components into a single integrated door seal structure, eliminating positioning interfaces between separate components. The door seal is manufactured as one piece with the first portion and second portion positioned adjacent to each other, removing the risk of cumulative positioning errors that would occur with multiple assembled components, thereby ensuring both sealing performance and aesthetic finish.
Solution Approach 2:
The door seal structure is designed with the first portion and second portion pre-positioned adjacent to each other during manufacturing, establishing the correct spatial relationship before assembly with the fixed window module. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the door seal is installed, the portions are already correctly aligned, preventing positioning defects and aesthetic flaws.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fixed window module uses traditional assembly methods, then manufacturing is simpler, but air leakage occurs reducing vehicle comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the door seal structure itself, which is manufactured as a single component. The door seal includes a first portion with an outer surface adjacent to the fixed window and a second portion with an outer surface adjacent to the mirror base, creating continuous sealing surfaces that prevent air leakage. This integrated approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior sealing effectiveness compared to traditional multi-component assemblies.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fixed window module (4) for a motor vehicle, characterised in that it comprises a first sub-assembly (21) and a second sub-assembly (22) attached to the first sub-assembly, the first sub-assembly (21) comprising: - a fixed window (5), - a first portion (6A) of a door seal (6), and - a first mating surface (23), the second sub-assembly (22) comprising - a wing mirror base (11), - a second portion (6B) of the door seal (6), and - a second mating surface (24), an outer surface of said second portion (6B) being adjacent to an outer surface of said first portion (6A), the second mating surface (24) engaging with the first mating surface (23) to define the position of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly.