Glazed Panel Frame Assembly to Reduce Corner Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass panels in motor vehicle roofs face deformation and breakage due to windload, particularly at the corners, leading to sealing defects and breakage, and existing reinforcement methods are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves connecting reinforcing frames and fixing frames by their longitudinal ends to form a continuous frame, which is then secured to the glass panel, using an interlocking assembly to simplify installation and reduce stress concentrations at the corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate reinforcing frames and fixing frames are used with gaps between them, then the glass panel can be fixed and reinforced, but stress concentrations occur at the corners leading to breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcing frames and fixing frames into a single integrated frame structure. The longitudinal ends of the reinforcing frames are connected to the longitudinal ends of the fixing frames to form a continuous frame that eliminates gaps at the corners of the glass panel, thereby distributing stress evenly and preventing stress concentration that would lead to breakage.
2Reliability
If reinforcing frames and fixing frames are connected by molding, forming, or welding to create a continuous frame, then stress concentrations are reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous frame into separate reinforcing frame components and fixing frame components that are assembled together through simple interconnection elements. This allows the frame to be manufactured in separate, simpler steps and then assembled, avoiding the need for complex molding, forming, or welding processes while still achieving the stress-distributing continuous frame structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If metal frames are formed and cut to structure the fixing frames, then the frames can be assembled, but significant material loss occurs due to lighter structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the reinforcing frames to serve dual functions: both reinforcing the glass panel against bending deformations and serving as the fixing structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing frames with complex structures, reducing material usage and eliminating material loss associated with forming and cutting operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a glazed panel comprising a glass panel (20), two longitudinal reinforcing members (152) for reinforcing the glass panel (20) against flexural strain and two longitudinal securing members (41) for securing the glazed panel in an external structure provided for this purpose. The aforementioned members can be overmoulded with a polymer material (30) arranged along the periphery of the glass panel (20). The two reinforcing members (152) and the two securing members (41) are connected in pairs at the longitudinal ends thereof in order to form a frame, employing an interlocking assembly optionally using an intermediate part (60). This measure reduces stress concentration at the corners of the glass panel and simplifies the moulding operation during the production of the glazed panel.