Profiled Foam Protective Element for Automotive Glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective elements for motor vehicle windshields and rear windows are inadequate in absorbing shocks and preventing damage during storage and transport, particularly for curved surfaces, as they lack sufficient damping qualities and are cumbersome in storage.
Innovation Solution
A protective element with a U-shaped cross-section made of synthetic foam featuring an external protrusion that acts as a shock-absorbing wedge, providing enhanced damping and adaptability to various shapes and curves, eliminating the need for cardboard and polystyrene wedges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cardboard boxes with polystyrene wedges are used for protection, then protection against shocks is provided, but storage space is excessively consumed and the package becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function and the wedge function into a single integrated element. The profiled protective element includes protrusions that act as wedges to maintain spacing between glazed elements, eliminating the need for separate cardboard boxes and polystyrene wedges. This merging reduces overall package volume while maintaining protection against shocks during storage and transport.
2Volume of moving object
If simple wrapping without shock absorption is used, then storage space is reduced, but shock protection is insufficient and glazed elements are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element features localized protrusions positioned at specific locations to provide shock absorption and spacing functions where most needed. These protrusions are strategically placed to maintain gaps between adjacent glazed elements and provide cushioning at critical contact points, delivering effective shock protection with minimal material and compact storage volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If U-shaped protective profiles are used, then basic protection is provided, but damping qualities are insufficient for curved surfaces and pronounced curves
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is segmented into a main U-shaped body and additional protrusions that can be positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the basic U-shaped profile to provide structural support while the protrusions enhance damping qualities by creating additional contact points and air gaps. The modular design maintains ease of manufacture through single-piece molding while improving shock absorption capabilities for curved surfaces.
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 effectively reduces the risk of damage during transport and storage by providing improved shock absorption and adaptability to different shapes, ensuring safer handling and installation of glazed elements.
Implementation Method 1
said profile being made of a synthetic material that absorbs shocks
Implementation Method 2
an elastic synthetic material that absorbs shocks
Implementation Method 3
serves as a wedge between said protective element and another surface such as a wall, floor or other contiguous element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective element (1, 1') which is in the form of a profiled element having an internal face shaped so as to be applied to at least two contiguous faces of elements that are to be kept spaced apart from one another and to be protected against shocks during their storage, handling and transport, said profiled element being produced from a shock-absorbing synthetic material. The invention consists in that said profiled element is shaped so as to have on its external face at least one protuberance (5) projecting from said external face.