Flush Seal Assembly for Curved Vehicle Glazed Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glazed units for vehicles with complex shapes face challenges in assembly, aesthetics, and mechanical strength, particularly when the facing edges of the glass panes are curved, as they often require rigid profiles that are difficult to implement and result in unsightly protuberances or sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
A glazed unit design featuring two contiguous glass panes with a laminated second pane and a seal that is flush with the exterior and interior faces, incorporating a setback of the interlayer edge surface to allow the seal to penetrate and enhance mechanical strength, and optionally including an insert for added rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rigid profile is used to assemble glass panes, then assembly is possible, but implementation becomes difficult and aesthetics deteriorate due to unsightly protuberances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid profiles with a flexible seal that can conform to curved glass edges. The seal is made of elastomeric material that provides both structural support and aesthetic finish, eliminating the need for visible rigid connection elements while maintaining assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between glass panes, providing both mechanical connection and aesthetic coverage. It mediates between the structural requirements of assembly and the aesthetic requirements of a clean appearance, hiding the connection while enabling it.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glass panes are assembled side by side to form complex shapes, then complex vehicle glazed units can be created, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glazed unit is segmented into modular glass panes that can be assembled in different configurations. Each pane with its integrated seal can be manufactured separately and then combined, simplifying the overall assembly process while enabling complex shapes through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between panes, ensures weather sealing, and delivers aesthetic finish. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining versatility for complex configurations.
3Device complexity
If a simple seal is used between glass panes, then assembly is simplified, but mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed as a composite structure combining elastomeric material for flexibility and adhesion with reinforcing elements (such as aluminum or stainless steel profiles) for mechanical strength. This composite approach maintains assembly simplicity while achieving the required structural performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal structure features nested components where reinforcing profiles are embedded within or attached to the elastomeric seal body. This nesting provides internal structural support without adding external complexity, maintaining assembly simplicity while enhancing mechanical strength.
4Strength
If the interlayer edge surface is set back relative to the exterior glass sheet edge, then the seal can penetrate to enhance strength, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The setback distance is optimized to provide sufficient penetration depth for mechanical strength while remaining within tolerances achievable by standard manufacturing processes. The parameter is carefully selected to balance strength enhancement with manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal penetrates partially into the setback region rather than requiring complete coverage. This partial penetration is sufficient to achieve the desired mechanical strength enhancement without demanding excessive manufacturing precision that would make production difficult.
Data Source
AI summary
A glazed unit in particular for a vehicle of transport, includes a first glass pane and a second glass pane that are contiguous, the second glass pane being laminated and includes an exterior glass sheet, an interior glass sheet and a plastic material interlayer arranged between the exterior glass sheet and the interior glass sheet, the glazed unit having an exterior face and an interior face, wherein the glazed unit includes a seal arranged between the first glass pane and the second glass pane, having an exterior face and an interior face, the exterior face of the glazed unit and the exterior face of the seal being flush with one another and the seal being in contact with an interior face of the exterior glass sheet of the second glass pane.