Flush Glass Assembly Guide with Low Friction Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive glass window systems face challenges in achieving a flush relationship with adjacent body and trim surfaces due to inadequate guiding and sealing systems, leading to issues like glass chattering, binding, and 'blow-out' caused by wind pressure differentials.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling an automobile door with a flush glass assembly, involving a lower and upper door frame with a daylight opening module that includes a glass guide and a retaining structure with a low friction coating, allowing the glass guide to slide smoothly and securely within channels, and securing the frames to the inner panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a flush glass assembly is implemented to improve aerodynamic characteristics, then wind noise and pressure differential issues arise causing glass blow-out and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding system is divided into multiple independent glass guides positioned at different locations (front, rear, and sides of the glass piece). Each guide operates independently to provide distributed support and guidance, preventing the glass from blowing out or becoming unstable under wind pressure differentials while maintaining the flush appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass guides are pre-installed and positioned within the door frame before the glass piece is installed. The guides are already in place to receive and guide the glass edges, ensuring proper alignment and stability from the moment the glass is inserted, preventing chattering and binding during operation.
2Reliability
If traditional guiding systems are used to support glass movement, then glass stability is maintained but chattering and binding occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristics of the guiding system are modified by specifying materials and surface treatments for the glass guides that reduce friction between the guide surfaces and glass edges. This parameter change allows the glass to move smoothly up and down without chattering or binding, while the multi-guide configuration maintains stability throughout the movement range.
3Reliability
If multiple glass guides are installed to improve guiding and sealing, then glass stability and sealing improve but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each glass guide is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing vertical guidance for glass movement, sealing the gap between glass and door frame, and distributing wind pressure loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly despite using multiple guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated glass guide component rather than using separate guiding rails and sealing elements. This combination reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while achieving both guidance and sealing objectives with each guide installation.
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 provides a stable and aerodynamic flush glass assembly that reduces wind noise, prevents debris entry, and enhances the assembly process by ensuring the glass pieces remain in a single plane with the vehicle's body, addressing the issues of chattering and binding.
Implementation Method 1
an appliqué having a channel, wherein the channel includes a seal having a low friction coating or other known material that is configured to slideably retain the glass guide
Data Source
AI summary
A method for assembling an automobile door is provided that comprise providing a lower frame comprising a movable glass piece disposed within an inner panel and an outer panel, a daylight opening module comprising a glass guide, a retaining structure having a channel to slideably retain the glass guide and first and second openings. The method also includes sliding the module downward until a portion of the module contacts the inner panel. The method further includes securing the module to the inner panel.