Vehicle Sealing Element Demolding Slot Closure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sealing elements with injection-molded parts face difficulties in demolding due to the corner sections being stuck, requiring complex gluing processes to prevent gaping of the demolding slot after removal.

Innovation Solution

The sealing element incorporates connecting strands that overlap and engage with recesses on the demolding slot, providing a positive locking mechanism to keep the slot closed without gluing, which can be integrated during production or produced separately and snapped into place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a demolding slot is provided to enable removal of the core part, then the molded part can be demolded, but the demolding slot gaps after removal requiring complex gluing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemolding capabilityVSAvoidgaping prevention process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Connecting strands are pre-formed as integral parts of the molded product during injection molding, positioned to span the demolding slot. These strands are prepared in advance to provide gaping prevention without requiring subsequent gluing operations, thus simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining demolding capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting strands are integrated into the molded part as a unified structure during the injection molding process. The strands combine the functions of structural support and slot closure prevention, eliminating the need for separate gluing operations and reducing overall process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If connecting strands are used to hold the demolding slot together, then gaping is prevented without gluing, but additional structural elements are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegaping preventionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting strands are designed to automatically perform the dual function of maintaining slot closure and providing structural reinforcement. The strands serve themselves by being integrally formed with the molded part, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations or additional complex assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If connecting strands are integrated during production, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the molding process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidmolding process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting strands are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide structural support, prevent slot gaping, and serve as integral parts of the molded product. This universal design allows a single injection molding process to create all necessary features, improving productivity without significantly complicating the molding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3023278B1Sealing element with injection molded article
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 CQLT SAARGUMMI TECH S A R L
  • EP3023278B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a sealing element for forming a seal, particularly on doors or flaps of a vehicle body, comprising a molded part (1) made of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic material by injection molding, with a tubular section (6) and a demolding slot (9) extending in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction of the section (6). The sealing element according to the invention is characterized by means (10, 12) that prevent the demolding slot (9) from opening after demolding of the molded part (1).