Vehicle Glazing Seal System Flexible Loop Core Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gasket system for vehicle glazing, particularly for curved windshields, faces challenges in efficiently and quickly removing the core from the hollow part without damaging it, due to the limitations of adhesive-based gripping means that can lead to marks and require multiple tongues, making the process time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible loop gripping means is introduced, which surrounds the core and allows for easier and faster removal by distributing tensile forces along its length, eliminating the need for adhesives and reducing the number of gripping elements required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive-based gripping means (tongues) are used to remove the core, then the core can be removed without damaging the hollow part, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple gripping elements
Solution Approach 1:
The profiled bead is segmented into multiple hollow parts along the glazing edge, each capable of independently holding and removing a core section. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple cores simultaneously, improving overall productivity while maintaining reliable damage-free removal through the standardized tongue mechanism in each hollow part.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow part is pre-formed with an integrated tongue gripping means before the core insertion step. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for additional gripping tools during core removal, allowing workers to directly pull out cores without tool changes or complex operations, thereby speeding up the process while ensuring reliable removal without damage.
2Reliability
If multiple tongues are provided along the web to remove the core, then complete core removal is achieved, but the number of gripping elements increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each hollow part along the profiled bead is designed with a universal tongue gripping means that can handle core removal for its corresponding section. This multi-functional design allows the same structural solution to be repeated along the entire length of the glazing, achieving complete core removal without requiring different types of gripping elements, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue gripping means is nested within the hollow part structure itself, with the tongue forming an integral part of the hollow part's internal geometry. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external gripping devices, reducing the number of discrete components while ensuring reliable engagement with the core for complete removal.
3Strength
If adhesive is used on the tongue to secure it, then the tongue can be bonded to the core, but the adhesive may leave marks on the profiled bead or glazing
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application step is extracted and eliminated from the core removal process. Instead of using adhesive to bond the tongue to the core, the design relies on the mechanical interference fit between the tongue's geometric features and the core structure. This extraction of the adhesive function achieves sufficient bonding strength without introducing harmful adhesive marks on the profiled bead or glazing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue is designed as a disposable, single-use gripping element made from inexpensive material that does not require permanent bonding. The tongue is inserted, engages the core through mechanical interference, and is then pulled out with the core in one motion. This approach eliminates the need for strong adhesive bonding, avoiding marks while providing sufficient strength for the brief removal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A joint system for an automotive glazing unit, or a windshield, the system including: a profiled bead including a hollow part that is elongate and opened toward the top, the profiled bead exhibiting in cross section a left neck part and a right neck part, a core including a pin placed inside the hollow part and a gripping mechanism allowing the pin to be removed from the hollow part. In cross section, the gripping mechanism forms a loop and includes a base located between the pin and the hollow part portion and a ring placed above the core.