Hinged Side Window Support Member for Adhesive-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Y-shaped holding elements for vehicle side windows are complex to attach, require sealing to prevent adhesive overflow, and suffer from alignment issues due to window curvature and production-related scatter, leading to potential installation failures.
Innovation Solution
A foldable holding element with a hinge section connecting two fastening sections, allowing the element to be opened for adhesive application and then closed around the window edge, eliminating the need for sealing and enhancing alignment flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional Y-shaped retaining elements are attached using adhesive injection through filling openings, then the adhesive can be applied to fill the gap, but sealing devices are required to prevent adhesive from escaping, making the attachment process more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into two separable parts: a first part with a first filling opening and a second part with a second filling opening. This segmentation allows adhesive to be applied to each part separately before assembly, eliminating the need for sealing devices during the attachment process while simplifying the overall manufacturing procedure
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive is applied to the filling openings of the retaining element parts before the actual attachment to the side window. This preliminary application of adhesive ensures proper bonding without requiring sealing devices to prevent overflow, as the adhesive is already positioned correctly before the parts are assembled and mounted
2Reliability
If the retaining element is rigidly constructed, then it provides stable connection, but positioning variations due to window curvature and manufacturing scatter can cause significant deviations from the intended connection position
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is segmented into two parts connected by a hinge section, allowing relative movement between the parts. This segmentation enables the connection to accommodate variations in window curvature and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining stable connection, as the hinge allows adjustment to achieve proper alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge section introduces dynamic capability to the otherwise rigid retaining element structure. This allows the retaining element to adapt its configuration during installation, compensating for positioning variations and ensuring accurate connection to the lifting mechanism despite manufacturing scatter and window curvature differences
3Ease of operation
If adhesive is applied after the retaining element is positioned on the side window, then positioning can be adjusted, but adhesive overflow must be prevented using sealing devices that rest against the side edges
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into two parts that can be assembled separately with adhesive applied to each part's filling opening. This segmentation allows the parts to be positioned and bonded independently, providing positioning flexibility without requiring sealing devices to prevent adhesive overflow during the attachment process
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive is applied to the filling openings of the retaining element parts before they are positioned on the side window. This preliminary adhesive application allows for easy adjustment during positioning while preventing overflow issues, as the adhesive is contained within the filling openings during the positioning phase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining element (1) for a side window (I) of a vehicle, comprising a first securing section (3.1) and a first contact section (2.1) connected thereto and for securing to a first surface (Ia) of the side window (I), as well as a second securing section (3.2) and a second contact section (2.2) connected thereto and for securing to a second surface (Ib) of the side window (I), wherein the first securing section (3.1) and the second securing section (3.2) connect the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) to one another opposite one another via a hinge section (4), such that the first securing section (3.1) together with the first contact section (2.1) and the second securing section (3.2) together with the second contact section (2.2) can be swivelled relative to one another, whereby the retaining element (1) can be opened and closed, wherein, in the closed state, the securing sections (3.1, 3.2) are extensively in contact with one another and suitable for securing to the vehicle together, and the contact sections (2.1, 2.2) are suitable for securing to two opposing surfaces (Ia, Ib) of the side window (I).