Glazing Trim Fixation Using Ultrasound-Deformed Appendages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a trim to a profiled bead on glazing require precise positioning, are complex to implement, and difficult to mechanize, leading to increased costs and potential damage to the glazing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving appendages on the trim that penetrate holes in the profiled bead, with the distal end of each appendage softened by ultrasound or heat to deform and permanently fix in place, allowing for reliable and automated attachment without precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tenon-mortise friction fastening system is used to attach trim to profiled bead, then the reliability of fastening is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is segmented from the profiled bead structure. Instead of integrating tenon-mortise features into the bead, separate appendages with hollow distal ends are attached to the trim, which then engage with simple holes in the bead. This separates the fastening mechanism from the bead design, reducing bead complexity while maintaining reliable friction-based retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The appendages act as intermediary elements between the trim and the profiled bead. These appendages with hollow distal ends provide the friction-based fastening function without requiring complex features in the profiled bead itself. The intermediary appendages simplify the overall system by concentrating the fastening complexity in removable components rather than in the bead structure.
2Reliability
If tenon-mortise friction fastening is implemented, then fastening reliability under vibration is improved, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating tenon-mortise features in the profiled bead and inserting clips into them, the approach is inverted: hollow distal ends are formed on the appendages attached to the trim, and these engage with simple holes in the bead. This inversion eliminates the need for precise positioning of complex features in the bead, while still achieving reliable friction-based retention under vibration through the interference fit of the hollow appendage ends.
3Device complexity
If direct piercing fixation is used to attach trim to profiled bead, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force required for fixation increases and may damage the glazing
Solution Approach 1:
Holes are pre-formed in the profiled bead at appropriate locations and dimensions before the fixation process. The appendages with hollow distal ends are then inserted into these pre-prepared holes, allowing the material to be compressed and deformed into the hollow spaces without requiring extreme pressing forces. This preliminary preparation of holes eliminates the need for high-force piercing operations that could damage the glazing.
4Strength
If high pressing force is applied to pierce the profiled bead, then the fixation strength is improved, but the risk of damaging the front face of the hubcap increases
Solution Approach 1:
Holes are pre-formed in the profiled bead at appropriate locations and dimensions before the fixation process. The appendages with hollow distal ends are then inserted into these pre-prepared holes, allowing the material to be compressed and deformed into the hollow spaces without requiring extreme pressing forces. This preliminary preparation of holes eliminates the need for high-force piercing operations that could damage the glazing.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow distal ends of the appendages act as intermediaries that receive and contain the deformed bead material. This intermediary structure allows fixation strength to be achieved through material deformation within controlled hollow spaces rather than through high-force piercing, thereby protecting the front face of the hubcap from damage.
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
The solution provides a reliable, simple, and cost-effective method for attaching trims to glazings, ensuring a strong hold against vibrations and easy removal for recycling, while eliminating the need for precise positioning and complex mechanical processes.
Implementation Method 1
said distal end of each appendage being deformed by temporary softening, preferably by applying ultrasound
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for fixing an additional part (2) consisting of a plastic material, such as a decorative cover, to the periphery of a glazing (1) and especially to part of a profiled rim (3) fixed to the periphery of the glazing (1), said additional part (2) having a rear face (21) comprising fixing means for fixing to said glazing (1) or said profiled rim (3). The invention is characterised in that the rear face (21) comprises a plurality of appendices (22, 22') that each penetrate into a hole (10, 10') in said profiled rim (3) or said glazing (1), and protrude at the two ends thereof onto two respectively opposite faces of the profiled rim (3) or the glazing (1), the distal end (23, 23') of each appendix protruding past a rear face (31) respectively of said profiled rim or said glazing defining the hole (10, 10'), and in that each distal end (23, 23') of each appendix is deformed by a temporary softening, preferably by the application of ultrasounds, in order to come into contact with the rear face (31) of said profiled rim or said glazing at the periphery of the hole (10, 10') and preferably over the entire periphery of the hole (10, 10').