Profiled Bead Fixing Element for Vehicle Glazing Trim

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing trims on vehicle glazings are prone to deformation and loss due to vibrations, require complex profiled bead designs, and have durability issues with intermediate elements that need precise positioning and assembly, leading to unreliable long-term attachment.

Innovation Solution

A fixing element with a molded sole and offset wings is integrated into the profiled bead during encapsulation, allowing for precise and secure attachment of trims without additional intermediate elements, ensuring durability and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible clip with opposing tensions is used to attach trim to profiled bead, then the trim can be secured to the glazing, but the clip deforms under vibration causing trim loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim attachment reliabilityVSAvoidclip structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is integrated directly into the profiled bead structure, merging two previously separate components (fixing element and profiled bead) into a unified assembly. This eliminates the intermediate flexible clip that was subject to opposing tensions and deformation, while maintaining the trim attachment function through the molded-in fixing elements with wings that engage the trim profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If intermediate fastening elements are used to attach trim to profiled bead, then trim attachment is achieved, but assembly time increases and durability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment durabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is molded directly into the profiled bead as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate intermediate fastening elements. This merger reduces the number of assembly steps by attaching the trim directly to the profiled bead through the integrated fixing elements, while ensuring durable attachment through the engineered wing structure that engages the trim profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements are pre-formed and integrated into the profiled bead during the molding process, before the trim attachment step. This preliminary integration of the fixing functionality into the profiled bead structure eliminates the need for separate fastening element installation, reducing assembly time while maintaining attachment durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning of clip relative to profiled bead is required, then secure attachment is achieved, but positioning precision requirements increase complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclip positioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is molded as an integrated part of the profiled bead, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms between intermediate elements and the profiled bead. The fixing elements are directly formed in the correct positions within the profiled bead structure during molding, achieving precise positioning without adding positioning system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2621745B1Glass panel having an encapsulated profiled joint and insert attached to the joint, element for attaching the insert for the glass panel, and method for manufacturing the glass panel
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP2621745B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2621745B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP2621745B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a glass panel (1) including a vitreous element (2), at least one profiled joint portion (3), at least one insert (4) such as a bezel, and at least one attachment element (5) for attaching said insert (4) to said profiled joint portion, characterized in that said attachment element (5) comprises a sole plate (7) having a longitudinal axis, wherein said sole plate is at least partially overmolded into said profiled joint portion (3) and has at least two flanges (8, 8') that are located outside said profiled joint portion (3) in order to attach said insert (4) to said attachment element (5), said flanges being longitudinally offset.