Vehicle Side Trim Assembly With Integrated Window Frame Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle body side assemblies have exposed side seals and window frames, which affect the aesthetics of the vehicle and require complex assembly processes, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A side trim assembly is introduced, comprising an exterior trim panel and an interior trim panel fixedly connected, with an integrated installation structure for the window frame seal. This structure eliminates the need for a separate window frame and side seal, reducing components and costs while improving aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a separate window frame and side seal structure is used, then the sealing function is achieved, but the aesthetics of the vehicle is degraded and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the window frame seal installation structure with the side trim assembly into a single integrated component. The side trim assembly includes an exterior panel, interior panel, and a integrated seal retention structure that eliminates the need for separate window frames and side seals, achieving both aesthetic improvement and assembly simplification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side trim assembly serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage, structural reinforcement, weather sealing, and water management. The integrated design incorporates features for seal retention, water drainage channels, and structural support within a single assembly, reducing the total number of components needed

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

2Strength

If multiple separate components (exterior panel, reinforcement plate, interior panel, window frame, side seal) are used, then structural strength is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the exterior panel, interior panel, and seal retention structure into an integrated side trim assembly that maintains structural strength while reducing component count. The assembly is designed to provide structural reinforcement through its construction while eliminating the need for separate window frames and side seals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side trim assembly is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a complete assembly. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes and quality control while simplifying the overall vehicle assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4230452B1Side trim panel assembly and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 ZHEJIANG GEELY HLDG GRP CO LTD
  • EP4230452B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4230452B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4230452B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A side trim assembly and a vehicle. The side trim assembly (100) includes an exterior trim panel (10) and an interior trim panel (20) that are sequentially provided in a direction from an outer side to an inner side of a door of a vehicle and fixedly connected to each other. A side of the interior trim panel (10) away from the exterior trim panel (20) is connected to a body side assembly (200), and a lower end of the exterior trim panel (20) and a lower end of the interior trim panel (10) together define an installation structure (30) for installing a window frame seal (60). Also provided is a vehicle including the side trim assembly (100). The side trim assembly (100) and the vehicle can improve the aesthetics of the vehicle and reduce the cost.