Thin Window Holder Assembly for Laminated Vehicle Glazing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle glazing systems face challenges with vitrement holders that are not compact, light, or reliably fixed to the window, leading to potential damage and increased size and weight.

Innovation Solution

A glazing system with a compact and light vitrement holder that is securely fixed to the window using a wall lamp with an external base and covering wings, which transmit and distribute stresses directly to the exterior glass sheet and fix the holder to the glass via a plastic interlayer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional glass holder with threaded attachment rod and nut is used, then the glass holder can be fixed to the glass, but the forces applied to the glass are likely to damage the lamination and the structure is not compact or lightweight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidglass lamination strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The glass holder is segmented into multiple functional parts: a plate for distributing forces, counter-washers for protecting glass edges, and a counter-plate for reinforcing the fixing zone. This segmentation allows each component to address specific stress distribution needs, preventing lamination damage while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Counter-washers are positioned between the plate and glass edges, and the counter-plate is placed behind the fixing zone, to provide protective cushioning before forces are applied. This beforehand protection prevents stress concentration that could damage the glass lamination, while still allowing reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a traditional glass holder with multiple components is used, then the glass holder can be securely fixed, but the compactness and weight of the glazing system are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidglazing system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple protective and fixing functions are merged into an integrated glass holder assembly. The plate, counter-washers, and counter-plate work together as a unified structure that provides both secure fixation and protection, eliminating the need for separate heavy components while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The glass holder assembly concentrates its structural reinforcement locally at the fixing zone rather than throughout the entire glazing system. The counter-plate and counter-washers provide localized support only where forces are applied, reducing overall weight while maintaining fixing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a thick insert is used in the fixing zone, then the glass holder can be reliably attached, but the thickness of the glazing in the fixing zone exceeds the thickness in the visible part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidglazing thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing thickness in the fixing zone, the solution uses a multi-layered approach in the horizontal dimension. The plate, counter-washers, and counter-plate are arranged in layers that distribute forces across the existing glazing thickness, maintaining a flush profile while providing reliable attachment through force distribution rather than increased thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If a glass holder with hole through the glass is used, then the glass holder can be mounted, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated with two holes of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidglass manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The plate is designed with a pre-formed opening that receives the threaded attachment rod, eliminating the need to create holes in the glass itself. The counter-washers and counter-plate are also pre-configured to work with this opening, simplifying the glass manufacturing process while maintaining easy mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4185480B1Glazing with window holder of thin design, and method for producing said glazing
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP4185480B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4185480B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4185480B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle glazing (1') and to a method for manufacturing this glazing, which is vertically movable and comprises a laminated window (2') and a window holder (6') comprising an application base (7) and at least one, and preferably two, covering wing(s) (8, 8').