Magnetic Cowl Connection for Windshield Profile Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle arrangements face challenges in transporting windshield assemblies due to deformation of profile strips during shipping, require complex handling and disposal of transport protection strips, and necessitate precise angular positioning for assembly, which complicates the production and assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle arrangement utilizing magnetic elements for connecting the water tank cover to the profile strip, eliminating the need for a transport protection strip and allowing for multiple, wear-free assembly and disassembly without requiring exact angular alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the profile strip connecting section is used to support the windshield during transport, then the windshield is protected against damage to its lower edge, but the connecting section deforms under the weight causing compression and limiting the receiving area
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the protective function into two separate components: the profile strip's receiving area and a dedicated transport protection strip. The transport protection strip is inserted into the receiving area to provide structural support during transport, while the profile strip maintains its original shape and receiving area geometry. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport protection strip acts as an intermediary element between the windshield and the profile strip's receiving area. It transfers the windshield's weight and mechanical stresses away from the profile strip's connecting section, preventing deformation while still providing the necessary support and protection during upright transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a transport protection strip is added to prevent deformation, then the connecting section maintains its shape, but the device complexity increases due to additional components requiring assembly and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The transport protection strip is merged with the profile strip assembly during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that maintains the receiving area's shape throughout transport. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps at the vehicle manufacturer's facility and simplifies the overall process by reducing the number of discrete components that need to be handled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport protection strip is installed into the profile strip's receiving area during the profile strip manufacturing process, before the assembly is shipped to the vehicle manufacturer. This preliminary action ensures that the receiving area is already protected and maintains its shape during transport, eliminating the need for subsequent assembly or installation steps and reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If a U-shaped receiving area with a mounting tab is used for connection, then the water box cover can be locked in place, but the assembly requires precise angular positioning and specific joining direction complicating the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connecting section replaces the rigid U-shaped receiving area with a flexible magnetic field-based connection. This dynamic approach allows the water box cover to be attached and detached without precise angular positioning, as the magnetic force automatically aligns and secures the components. The connection maintains reliability through magnetic attraction while significantly simplifying the assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interlocking system (U-shaped receiving area with mounting tab requiring precise alignment) is replaced with a magnetic field-based connection system. The magnetic connecting section generates magnetic forces that automatically attract and secure the water box cover, eliminating the need for precise angular positioning and specific joining directions. This substitution maintains secure connection while dramatically simplifying the assembly process.
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
Simplifies the assembly process, reduces production complexity, and ensures secure attachment and detachment of the water tank cover, while preventing unintentional removal and allowing for space-efficient upright transportation of the windshield assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting device (38) comprises a first connecting section (40) assigned to the profile strip (22) and a second connecting section (42) assigned to the water tank cover (24). At least one of the connecting sections (40, 42) is provided with a magnetic element (44, 46).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle assembly (10) comprising a windshield (12), a profiled strip (22) which is secured to the windshield, and a water tank cover (24) which adjoins the profiled strip (22). A connection device (38) is provided which comprises a first connection section (40) paired with the profiled strip (22) and a second connection section (42) paired with the water tank cover. The first connection section has at least one first magnetic element or is made of such an element, and the second connection section has at least one second magnetic element or is made of such an element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element interact magnetically in order to connect the profiled strip and the water tank cover.