Self-foaming Buffer for Motor Vehicle Window Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing motor vehicle windows for further processing, such as foam encapsulation, face challenges with manual application of foam strips which result in limited reproducible positional accuracy and increased risk of damage due to tension forces between metal brackets and glass panes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a retaining element with a contact surface coated with a pumpable substance that initiates a self-foaming process to form a plastic molded part with predetermined elasticity, creating a safe distance between the pane and the holding element, thereby counteracting tension forces and ensuring reliable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If foam strips are manually applied to clamping brackets, then the complexity of the application process is reduced, but the positional accuracy and reproducibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical application of foam strips with an automated dispensing system that applies pumpable substance precisely to predetermined positions on the contact surface, eliminating manual positioning errors while maintaining process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the buffering material from pre-formed foam strips to pumpable substance that self-foams in place, enabling automated application with precise positional control while maintaining the buffering function
2Strength
If metal clamping brackets directly contact glass panes, then the structural strength is improved, but the risk of damage to glass panes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic molded part formed from self-foaming substance as an intermediary between the metal clamping bracket and glass pane, absorbing tensile forces during foam curing while preventing direct contact between metal and glass, thus eliminating scratch and breakage risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pumpable substance to predetermined positions on the contact surface before clamping, creating a buffering plastic molded part in advance that absorbs tensile forces and prevents damage before they can occur during the foaming process
3Adaptability or versatility
If foam strips are manually applied to different clamping brackets, then the adaptability is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solution where the same pumpable substance can be applied to various clamping bracket geometries using automated dispensing, eliminating the need for manual adaptation while maintaining versatility across different bracket designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual cutting and fitting operations with automated dispensing of pumpable substance that adapts to different bracket geometries through self-foaming, dramatically reducing application time while maintaining adaptability
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
This method enables safe, reliable, and cost-effective processing of motor vehicle windows by forming a plastic molded part that acts as an elastic buffer, reducing the risk of scratches, cracks, and chips, and allowing for precise positioning during subsequent processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
mechanically applying the substance to at least one predetermined position on the contact surface of the retaining element, thereby initiating a self-foaming process
Implementation Method 2
initiating a self-foaming process which results in formation of a plastic molded part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method for forming a holding element (5) for a motor vehicle (1) comprises providing a holding element (5) with a contact surface (7), and also with a first component (K1) and a second component (K2) each having predetermined material properties. The method furthermore comprises attaching the first and second component (K1, K2) at at least one predetermined position on the contact surface (7) of the holding element (5) and thereby initiating a self-foaming process, and therefore, depending on the respective material properties of the first and second component (K1, K2), a shaped plastics part (9) of predetermined elasticity is formed in order, when the window (3) lies on the holding element (5), to counteract stress forces between the window (3) and the holding element (5).