Glass Panel Insert with Pressure Element for Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of vehicle window shapes requires multiple inserts of different shapes and sizes for encapsulation, leading to positioning difficulties and imperfect seals during the injection process, which can result in defective glazings.

Innovation Solution

A glazing system with inserts featuring a pressure element that applies against a sole or base in a bearing zone distinct from the connecting zone, allowing for secure encapsulation regardless of the insert's position, ensuring a perfect seal without the need for additional sealing measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inserts of different shapes and sizes are used to accommodate complex vehicle window shapes, then the encapsulation can be adapted to various positions, but the positioning difficulty and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to complex window shapesVSAvoidnumber of different insert types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized insert geometry that can be used at all positions around the glazing periphery. The insert comprises a base, a sole extending from the base, and a pressure element that can be oriented at different angles. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple different insert types while maintaining adaptability to complex window shapes through rotational orientation of the same insert component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If the seal between molding cavity and positioning cavity is not perfect, then encapsulation can be simpler, but encapsulating material enters the positioning cavity causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of encapsulation processVSAvoidseal quality between cavities
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a pressure element that actively prevents encapsulating material from entering the positioning cavity. The pressure element is positioned and oriented to apply force against the sole or base in a bearing zone, creating a mechanical barrier that counteracts the potential intrusion of encapsulating material before it can cause defects, thereby eliminating the need for complex sealing measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If additional sealing measures are implemented to prevent material intrusion, then sealing reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of sealing measures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing the insert itself to provide the sealing function through its pressure element. The pressure element, by applying force in the bearing zone, enables the insert to seal the positioning cavity against encapsulating material intrusion without requiring external or additional sealing components. This self-sealing capability maintains reliability while avoiding increased manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration enables the use of identical inserts across various glazing positions, improving the encapsulation process by preventing encapsulating material from entering the positioning cavity and ensuring effective anchoring and sealing, thus reducing defects and manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure element which is integral with the insert in at least one connecting zone (L) and which extends between the sole and the glazed element bearing on the latter, said pressure element being also applied against the sole or against the base in at least one bearing zone (A)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2582536B1Glass panel including an insert having a pressure element, method for manufacturing the glass panel, and insert for the glass panel
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP2582536B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2582536B1 patent drawingFigure 5~10
  • EP2582536B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a glass panel (1), including a vitreous element (2), a profiled joint portion (3), and at least one insert (4) having an overmoulded portion located in said profiled joint portion (3) and a projecting portion (5) located outside said profiled joint portion (3), said insert (4) comprising a base plate (7) which supports a base (8) having a central axis (yy') and a free surface (8'), as well as a pressure element (9) which is secured to the insert (4) at least at one connection area (L) and which extends between the base plate (7) and the vitreous element (2) while bearing on the latter, characterised in that the pressure element (9) is further applied against the base plate (7) or against the base (8) in at least one bearing area (A) located under the base (8), between the base (8) and the vitreous element (2).