Glass Panel Stiffener Cold Forming Shape Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fabricating vehicle interior trim parts with glass panels face issues such as strain on bonding interfaces and breakage during bending, particularly when functional elements like displays are integrated, due to stress and deformation around holes or openings.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the attachment of stiffeners to the backside of glass panels before bending, using cold forming to create a stiffened region that maintains shape and allows secure attachment of functional elements, with keystone stiffeners ensuring the glass panel retains its curvature and preventing detachment or breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If glass panels are bent by cold forming to create curved surfaces, then energy consumption and processing time are reduced, but the glass panel experiences strain that causes gradual shape recovery and requires mechanical fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by attaching stiffeners to the glass panel before the bending process. These stiffeners are positioned to provide structural support during cold forming, preventing excessive strain and shape recovery. The stiffeners are pre-installed at locations that will experience the most stress during bending, ensuring the glass panel maintains its curved shape without requiring additional mechanical fixation afterward.
2Reliability
If functional elements are attached to glass panels before bending, then the connection is secure, but the strain during bending may cause detachment or breakage of the functional element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating stiffened regions with localized stiffeners at specific areas of the glass panel where functional elements will be attached or where stress concentration occurs. This localized reinforcement provides additional support exactly where needed during the bending process, protecting the bonding interfaces and functional elements from excessive strain while allowing other areas of the glass panel to flex as required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holes are created in glass panels for functional elements, then functionality is enabled, but the panel is weakened and stress around holes may exceed critical values causing deformation or breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning stiffeners to specifically reinforce areas around holes and openings in the glass panel. These localized stiffened regions provide structural support that compensates for the weakness introduced by the holes, distributing stress away from the critical areas around openings while maintaining the functional adaptability of the panel for various applications.
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 method ensures a secure connection between glass panels and functional elements, reduces the risk of breakage, and maintains the glass panel's shape efficiently, while being energy-efficient and cost-effective by using cold forming at room temperature.
Implementation Method 1
bending the second region of the glass panel by cold forming so that a bent region of the glass panel is formed
Implementation Method 2
the glass panel is strained and tends to gradually take back its initial shape. Therefore, the bent glass panel typically needs to be mechanically fixed to the curved frame after bending to retain the curvature of the glass panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a method for fabricating a vehicle interior trim part. The proposed method comprises the step of providing a glass panel with a backside and a first and a second region. In a further step, a first stiffener is attached to the first region of the glass panel. Thereby, a stiffened region of the glass panel is formed. The method further comprises the step of bending the second region of the glass panel by cold forming so that a bent region of the glass panel is formed in a region adjacent to the stiffened region. The method further comprises the step of holding the glass panel in shape using a means of fixation.