Glass Run Channel Assembly Segmentation for Positional Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass run channel assemblies for vehicle windows face challenges in preventing positional deviation due to stress from moving glass panes, leading to complex molding die structures and potential defects, as well as material durability issues with insert members.

Innovation Solution

A glass run channel assembly featuring an engaging member made from a harder material than the elastic polymeric material, which is separately molded and attached to the connecting glass run channel, incorporating locking portions and a projection to securely engage with the window frame, preventing positional deviation and falling out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an insert member is arranged within the molding die and molten material is injected to mold the die-forming portion integrated with the insert member, then the projection for preventing positional deviation can be formed, but the structure of the molding die becomes complicated and the flow of molten resin is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional deviation preventionVSAvoidmolding die structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The glass run channel assembly is divided into multiple components: the base glass run channel and a separate projection member. The projection member is formed separately and then attached to the glass run channel, avoiding the need for complex insert molding operations. This segmentation simplifies the molding die structure while still achieving the positional deviation prevention function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If an insert member is arranged within the molding die, then the projection can be formed, but the flow of molten resin is obstructed or heat is lost causing short shots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection formationVSAvoidmolding process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection member is formed in advance as a separate component through preliminary molding operations. This pre-formed projection member is then attached to the glass run channel, eliminating the need for complex in-die insert arrangements that would obstruct molten resin flow or cause heat loss during the molding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the molding die has a complicated structure to accommodate the insert member, then the projection can be formed, but unrestorable defective articles may be formed if the insert member is not correctly arranged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection position accuracyVSAvoidproduction process reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the projection member from the main glass run channel molding process, the system allows for independent formation and quality control of each component. The projection member can be pre-formed with precise positioning features, then attached to the glass run channel, reducing the risk of defects caused by incorrect insert member arrangement during molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the molding die is closed in a state where the insert member is not correctly arranged, then molding can proceed, but the molding die may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolding process continuityVSAvoidmolding die integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The projection member is prepared in advance with proper positioning features that ensure correct alignment during attachment. This preliminary preparation prevents misalignment issues that could cause molding die damage when the die is closed, while maintaining continuous molding process operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2602139B1Glass run channel assembly
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 TOKAI KOGYO CO LTD
  • EP2602139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2602139B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2602139B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A glass run channel assembly of the invention includes a connecting glass run channel 150 that is connected to first and second glass run channels, respectively. A base bottom portion 175 of the connecting glass run channel is formed with an insertion hole 160 to which an engaging member 200 can be attached, and lateral inner walls 177 that configure the periphery of the insertion hole are formed with locking portions 170 that are locked to a trunk portion 205 when the engaging member is inserted into the insertion hole.