Recessed Outer Belt Seal Structure for Low-Profile Door Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current belt line seal systems in vehicle door assemblies leave a significant portion of the seal material exposed, leading to visibility issues and require additional cladding elements to hide the protruding surface, which increases complexity and component count.
Innovation Solution
A recessed belt seal structure with a linear insert that fits into a u-channel in the door panel, featuring gripping surfaces to secure the insert and a sealing lip for a watertight seal, reducing visibility and complexity by integrating the insert into the existing panel design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a belt line seal is positioned between a door panel and a window surface, then sealing function is achieved, but the seal material becomes prominently visible and protruding
Solution Approach 1:
The belt line seal is nested within a recessed opening in the door panel, with the seal body positioned inside the opening and only the sealing lip extending outward to contact the window. This nesting approach hides the bulk of the seal material while maintaining the sealing function at the visible surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a surface-level seal to a three-dimensional recessed structure. The opening creates a depth dimension that allows the seal to be positioned below the door panel surface, reducing its visual profile while maintaining sealing contact with the window.
2Shape
If cladding elements are added to cover the exposed belt seal, then visibility is reduced, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed opening structure combines multiple functions into a single integrated feature: it serves as both the mounting location for the belt line seal and the aesthetic element that reduces visibility. The opening itself acts as the structural solution rather than requiring separate cladding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed opening serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides structural support for the seal, reduces the visible profile of the seal material, and creates a streamlined aesthetic appearance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated cladding elements.
3Shape
If the belt seal is recessed into an opening in the door panel, then visibility is reduced and retention is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed opening is pre-formed in the door panel during panel manufacturing, creating a prepared receptacle for the belt line seal. This preliminary structuring of the panel integrates the recess feature into the base manufacturing process rather than requiring separate post-assembly operations.
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
The solution effectively reduces the visibility of the belt line seal, enhances retention through increased friction, and simplifies the door assembly by eliminating the need for additional cladding and components, resulting in a low-profile, secure, and efficient sealing system.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping structure engages with a first one of the inner surfaces to retain the linear insert in the opening. For example, the gripping structure may deform such that there is an increase in friction between the gripping structure and the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented herein for providing a low-profile outer belt seal that has features enabling high levels of retention to a vehicle door assembly. The outer belt seal comprises a linear insert that has two exterior opposite sides. On at least one of the exterior opposite sides, a gripping structure protrudes to enable a friction-based connection between the outer belt seal and a wall of an opening into which the lower extending portion is inserted. A sealing lip extends from the linear insert and is arranged to make contact with a movable window capable of translating vertically proximate to the belt seal. The sealing lip creates a sealing surface that prevents water translating down the moveable window into a door assembly.