Segmented Glass Glazing Assembly for Large Curved Automotive Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass products for large automotive glazings, such as windshields and sunroofs, face challenges in production due to size and curvature, making it difficult to create suitable constructions for features like head-up displays and cameras, and there is a need for alternative products that maintain a desired glass appearance.
Innovation Solution
A glass product comprising multiple glass pieces connected by fastenings, where each piece is encapsulated with a material like resin and features fasteners that can be mechanically or adhesively connected, allowing for flexible assembly and integration of functional elements like sensors or lighting, with a sealant to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large glass pieces are used for automotive glazings, then the desired glass appearance and large coverage area are achieved, but the production difficulty and bending complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large glazing is divided into multiple separate glass pieces that can be manufactured independently with standard bending capabilities. These pieces are then connected through encapsulated fastening mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve large overall area while maintaining ease of manufacture for individual components.
2Area of stationary object
If large glass pieces are used for automotive glazings, then the desired glass appearance and large coverage area are achieved, but the bending complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing system segments the large area into multiple pieces with simpler, more manageable shapes. Each piece can be bent to moderate curvatures that are easier to produce, while the overall complex shape is achieved through the arrangement and connection of these simpler segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by stacking multiple glass pieces in layers and connecting them through encapsulated fastenings. This layered approach allows the system to achieve complex overall shapes while each individual glass piece maintains a simpler, more manufacturable form.
3Ease of operation
If multiple glass pieces are connected by fastenings, then ease of assembly and replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism uses a nested structure where one fastening component is enclosed within the encapsulation material, which itself is attached to the glass piece. This nesting allows multiple functional elements (fastener, encapsulation, sealant) to be integrated in a compact arrangement that simplifies the overall connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulated fastening system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The encapsulation material provides both structural connection and sealing functions, while the fastening mechanism automatically positions itself during assembly, reducing the complexity of the assembly process despite the multi-component structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed glass product comprises a first glass piece, a first encapsulation at an edge of the first glass piece, a first fastening at the first encapsulation, a second glass piece, a second encapsulation at an edge of the second glass piece, and a second fastening at the second encapsulation, wherein the first fastening and the second fastening are fastenable to each other to provide a large glazing.