Interlocked Weatherstrip Show Surface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weatherstrips for vehicles face challenges in achieving a narrow, aesthetically pleasing exterior appearance while minimizing manufacturing costs and complexity, as well as ensuring easy attachment to various underlying components without visible interlocking features.
Innovation Solution
A weatherstrip design featuring a snap-fit mechanism with elongated components, including a rigid carrier with slots and a molded plastic show surface, allowing for secure attachment and alteration of geometry without impacting functionality, and utilizing a U-shaped cavity for secure mounting to the vehicle flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a separate trim strip is used for the show surface, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the show surface (trim strip) and the functional weatherstrip into a single integrated component. The decorative portion and sealing portion are molded as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly operations while maintaining aesthetic appearance and functional performance
2Strength
If complex fastening shapes are formed in separate components, then the attachment strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening features are integrated into the single molded component rather than being formed in separate parts. The interlocking geometry is built into the monolithic structure during molding, eliminating expensive post-forming operations and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining attachment strength
3Area of stationary object
If the show surface is narrowed for packaging, then the packaging efficiency is improved, but the attachment reliability becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying solely on surface area for attachment to using three-dimensional interlocking geometry. The snap-fit mechanism utilizes vertical engagement and mechanical interlocking features that provide reliable attachment even with a narrow show surface width, enabling compact packaging without sacrificing attachment reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A weatherstrip is provided in which a first component provides for functional sealing. A second component, formed of a different material, is interlocked to the first component. The securing structure is not visible from the exterior and allows the second component to improve the aesthetics, be color-matched with the vehicle, or have an altered geometry as needed for the particular vehicle component.