Vehicle Run Channel Elastic Deformation for Window Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing glass window sealing structure in sashless doors allows a gap between the inner lip and the sealing main body, leading to potential displacement of the glass window inward when external force is applied, compromising the appearance and security of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle body structure with a run channel that includes a base portion and a hollow frame portion, which deforms to closely contact the glass window when fully closed, enhancing support rigidity and preventing inward movement, while a movement restricting member ensures accurate mounting and maintains the appearance by minimizing stepped portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a gap is left between the inner lip and sealing main body for easy sealing, then the sealing structure is simpler, but the glass window becomes easily displaced inward when external force is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing structure simplicityVSAvoidglass window displacement prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The run channel changes its physical state from a loose fit during sealing to a tightly engaged state when the glass window is fully closed. The hollow frame portion is elastically deformed to make the hollow portion shrunk, causing at least a part of the hollow frame portion to closely contact the base portion, thereby preventing glass window displacement while maintaining sealing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the hollow frame portion closely contacts the base portion when glass window is fully closed, then the support rigidity increases to prevent inward movement, but the resistance during opening and closing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport rigidityVSAvoidresistance during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The run channel is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its engagement level. During opening and closing, the hollow frame portion elastically deforms to reduce resistance. When fully closed, the hollow portion is shrunk to increase support rigidity and prevent inward movement, achieving both smooth operation and strong support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the run channel is mounted to contact both the movement restricting member and the vehicle body, then the mounting flexibility increases, but the mounting accuracy decreases due to position variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidmounting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movement restricting member serves as an intermediary that restricts run channel movement toward outside the vehicle, while the run channel elastically contacts the vehicle body only via this member. This intermediary structure absorbs position variations and maintains mounting accuracy without reducing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a stepped portion is defined between the outer lip and glass window exterior face, then the sealing effectiveness improves, but the appearance around the glass window is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is localized to the hollow frame portion and base portion interface, while the exterior face of the movement restricting member is arranged to be flush with the exterior face of the run channel. This local differentiation maintains sealing effectiveness through the hollow portion shrinkage while preserving appearance by eliminating exterior stepped portions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides stable positioning of the glass window, maintaining its appearance and preventing inward displacement, while simplifying the structure and improving mounting accuracy without additional components.

Implementation Method 1

the hollow frame portion is deformed when the glass window is fully closed so that the hollow portion is shrunk by the glass window, to cause at least a part of the hollow frame portion to closely contact the base portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the run channel includes a base portion that is mounted to the vehicle body, and a hollow frame portion that elastically contacts the glass window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic contact: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10266043B2Vehicle body structure

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle body structure is provided that prevents a glass window in a fully closed state from moving toward inside a vehicle. The vehicle body structure for use with a door includes: a vehicle body; and a run channel that is interposed for sealing between the vehicle body and a glass window that is slidably arranged in the door, wherein the run channel includes a base portion that is mounted to the vehicle body, and a hollow frame portion that elastically contacts the glass window and defines a hollow portion with the base portion, and the hollow frame portion is deformed when the glass window is fully closed so that the hollow portion is shrunk by the glass window, to cause at least a part of the hollow frame portion to closely contact the base portion.