Vehicle Panel U-Passage Sealing and Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle panels with U-shaped passages for seals lack an effective sealing mechanism, allowing moisture and noise to penetrate, and the manufacturing process is hindered by undercuts in the injection molding process.
Innovation Solution
A plastic vehicle panel with a U-shaped passage featuring two uninterrupted sealing lips and holding ribs that support the seal, ensuring no openings between the lips to prevent moisture and noise ingress, and a step in the limb to facilitate injection molding without undercuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a U-shaped passage with a single sealing lip is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing effect is insufficient allowing moisture and noise to penetrate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate sealing lips instead of using a single sealing lip. The first sealing lip contacts the first limb of the U-shaped passage while the second sealing lip contacts the second limb, creating two distinct sealing zones that work together to prevent moisture and noise penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a single-plane sealing approach to a multi-dimensional sealing system. The two sealing lips are positioned at different locations within the U-shaped passage, creating a three-dimensional sealing configuration that provides superior protection against moisture and acoustic infiltration.
2Reliability
If holding ribs are added to support the seal, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to potential undercuts
Solution Approach 1:
The holding ribs are designed with a specific geometric configuration that provides seal support functionality while maintaining manufacturability. The ribs are positioned and shaped in advance during the design phase to prevent undercut formation, ensuring both seal stability and easy injection molding production.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding ribs are strategically positioned at specific locations within the U-shaped passage where they are most needed for seal support. Rather than adding complex structures throughout, the ribs are placed locally at critical points to provide optimal seal engagement while maintaining simple overall geometry for manufacturing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If openings are present in the panel between sealing lips, then the manufacturing is simplified, but moisture and noise can penetrate through the openings
Solution Approach 1:
The panel design integrates the sealing lips and panel structure into a unified configuration. The two sealing lips are positioned to work together with the panel body, creating a continuous sealing barrier that prevents moisture and noise penetration while maintaining structural integrity and avoiding the need for separate components or complex assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel, preferably made of plastic, for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle comprises a U-shaped passage for the reception of a seal which has a first sealing lip which contacts a first limb of the U-shaped passage in an uninterrupted manner and comprises a second sealing lip which contacts the second limb of the U-shaped passage. To improve the sealing effect, the second sealing lip contacts the second limb of the U-shaped passage in an uninterrupted manner.