Seal Plug with Drainage Channel for Vehicle Bed Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open-top cargo beds in vehicles face challenges in managing water infiltration and debris, as existing solutions do not effectively seal gaps and direct water away from the bed, leading to moisture and dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A seal plug with angled surfaces and a water drainage channel is designed to fit into the gaps between vehicle components, sealingly engaging the sides and directing water away from the bed, while minimizing the infiltration of water and other substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing seal solutions are used in open-top cargo beds, then the structure remains simple, but water infiltration and debris accumulation occur due to ineffective sealing and lack of drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plug is divided into multiple functional segments: a sealing portion with sealing surfaces that engage vehicle components, and a drainage portion with angled surfaces and drainage channels. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function effectively - sealing against water infiltration while simultaneously providing drainage pathways for water that does penetrate the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plug merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated component: water sealing and water drainage. By combining the sealing portion and drainage portion into one unified seal plug structure, the design achieves effective water management while reducing the number of separate parts needed, thus not increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If gaps between vehicle components are left unsealed, then assembly is easier and device complexity is lower, but water and debris infiltration into the bed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plug applies local quality by providing enhanced sealing surfaces at specific locations where gaps exist between vehicle components. The sealing surfaces are positioned to engage with corresponding surfaces on the vehicle components, creating localized sealed regions that prevent water and debris infiltration without requiring complete sealing of the entire vehicle bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plug acts as an intermediary component inserted into gaps between vehicle components (such as between the bed and tonneau cover). This intermediary element fills the gap and provides both sealing and drainage functions, mediating between the need for component separation (for assembly and access) and the need for water/debris protection.
3Reliability
If vertical seal surfaces are used in gaps, then sealing engagement is straightforward, but water drainage capability is insufficient leading to moisture accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plug transitions from a simple vertical seal surface to a three-dimensional structure with angled surfaces and integrated drainage channels. The angled surfaces create slope dimensions that facilitate water flow, while the drainage channels provide internal pathways. This dimensional enhancement enables effective water drainage without complicating the basic sealing function.
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 seal plug significantly reduces water and debris infiltration into the vehicle bed by creating a seal and facilitating drainage, achieving a 75% reduction in water infiltration during tests, even on sloped surfaces, and requires minimal assembly force for installation.
Implementation Method 1
A water drainage channel can be defined in an inner side of the upper tab. The water drainage channel can include a first end and a second end. The first end can open to an upper surface of the upper tab, and the second end can open to the second surface and/or the deflection surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Water management for vehicles with an open top cargo bed are described. A plurality of vehicle components can form a portion of the open-top cargo bed. The plurality of vehicle components can define a gap. A seal plug can be received in the gap. The seal plug can sealingly engage the first and/or second lateral side of the gap. The seal plug can be configured to direct water away from the vehicle. For instance, the seal plug can include a deflection surface. The deflection surface can be angled downwardly and away from the gap. The seal plug can include a water drainage channel. The water drainage channel can include a first end opening to an upper surface of the seal plug and the second end opening to the deflection surface and/or other surface that slopes downwardly and away from the gap.