Laminated Side Window Edge Geometry for Seal Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laminated side windows in vehicles, particularly those made of chemically strengthened glass, experience increased wear on resilient sealing materials due to frequent vertical movement, leading to potential damage and reduced sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing configuration where the second sheet of glass has a thickness less than the first sheet, with a specifically designed edge surface that ensures the shortest distance between certain points on its edges is at least 1.7 times the thickness of the second sheet, reducing the risk of damage to the sealing engagement surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the side window is made of laminated glass with chemically strengthened glass, then the strength and safety of the window is improved, but the wear on resilient sealing materials increases due to frequent vertical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a chamfered region specifically at the upper edge portion of the inner glass sheet, while the rest of the glass maintains its original properties. This localized geometric modification reduces stress concentration at the sealing engagement area, thereby reducing wear on the resilient sealing material during frequent vertical movements, without compromising the overall strength of the laminated glass window.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfered region is pre-formed on the inner glass sheet before installation. This preliminary geometric preparation ensures that when the window engages with the resilient sealing material, the stress is distributed more evenly from the outset, preventing premature wear and extending the service life of the sealing material.
2Ease of operation
If the upper edge region of the side window frequently engages and disengages with resilient sealing material, then the window can open and close, but the resilient material becomes worn and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered region is specifically located at the upper edge portion of the inner glass sheet where it contacts the resilient sealing material. This localized geometric feature facilitates smooth engagement and disengagement during window operation, reducing friction and wear on the sealing material while maintaining full window mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfered region acts as a stress-distributing feature that cushions the interaction between the glass edge and the resilient sealing material during repeated engagement cycles. This geometric preparation beforehand prevents stress concentration that would otherwise accelerate wear on the sealing material.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a~2c
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AI summary
A laminated glazing comprising first and second sheets of glass joined by an interlayer structure is described. The second sheet of glass has a first edge surface in an upper region of the laminated glazing. The first edge surface of the second sheet of glass is configured to comprise at least one region between first and second edges of the second sheet of glass such that in the at least one region the shortest distance along a straight line on the first edge surface of the second sheet of glass connecting a first point on the first edge of the second sheet of glass to a second point on the second edge of the second sheet of glass is at least 1.7 times the thickness of the second sheet of glass. A method of making the laminated glazing is also described.