Sealed Rear Opening Leaf With Interlocking Panel Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle rear door assembly methods require additional sealing materials, making the process complex, time-consuming, and costly, while failing to effectively protect internal components from dust and humidity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of male and female interlocking members molded into the internal and external panels to form a sealing barrier, eliminating the need for external sealing materials and simplifying the assembly process, with flexible lips enhancing the sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed junction material is used to protect the interior volume, then protection against dust and humidity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the structural panels by integrating interlocking members directly into the panel designs. The male member on one panel and female member on the other panel form a sealing barrier through their complementary geometries, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and reducing manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing material is extracted from the assembly process entirely. Instead of adding separate sealing materials, the sealing function is achieved through the geometric design of the interlocking members themselves, which create a sealing barrier through their complementary shapes and forced engagement.
2Reliability
If sealed junction material is deposited before assembly, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but assembly time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing geometry is prepared in advance during panel molding, with male and female interlocking members integrated into the panel designs. This preliminary formation of sealing structures eliminates the need for separate sealing material deposition steps during assembly, reducing assembly time while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking members perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural connection and sealing. When the panels are assembled through forced engagement of the male and female members, the sealing action is self-generated by the geometric interaction of the interlocking members themselves, without requiring external sealing materials or additional sealing steps.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing steps are added, then protection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the structural connection function through the interlocking members. The same male and female geometric features that provide structural assembly also create the sealing barrier, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism that reduces manufacturing steps and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes forced engagement and material deformation parameters. The male member is forced into the female member during assembly, causing flexible portions to deform and create a tight sealing fit. This parameter-based approach achieves reliable sealing through the assembly process itself rather than requiring separate sealing 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 provides a cost-effective, quick, and efficient method to insulate the rear door's interior volume, effectively protecting sensitive components from humidity and dust without additional sealing steps, ensuring a reliable and durable assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The rib of the male member is a flexible lip co-molded with the panel. It is advantageous for the rib of the male member to be flexible so that it can deform when it is fitted into the female member and thus improve the tightness of the fitting.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle rear opening leaf (10) comprising: - an outer panel (12) and an inner panel (14) which are assembled with one another and define an interior volume (16) of the opening leaf (10), - a protected zone (28) belonging to the volume (16), - means (18, 20, 23, 24; 46, 48) for protecting the zone (28), comprising male (24) and female (23) nesting members formed respectively on the outer panel (12) and on the inner panel (14), or vice versa, and designed to form a sealed barrier connecting the two panels (12, 14) together and – means (38, 40) of guiding the male member (24) towards the female member (23) as the opening leaf (12) is being assembled, the guide means (38, 40) being formed on the panel (12, 14) that bears the female member (23).