Vehicle Side Window Retainer Bonding for Single-Sided Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional side window retaining elements are complex to attach, lack positioning flexibility, and result in reduced stability due to two-sided attachment, leading to manufacturing variations and potential production scraps.

Innovation Solution

A side window with a holding element attached on one side, utilizing a thicker high-modulus adhesive layer and a contact section with channels for improved adhesive distribution, allowing for flexible positioning and enhanced stability without increasing vehicle body space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional Y-shaped retaining elements are attached to both sides of the side window, then the stability and stiffness of the arrangement is improved, but the attachment process becomes complex requiring sealing devices and multiple filling openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of retaining element arrangementVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the retaining element attachment from one side of the window, making it single-sided. This eliminates the need for sealing devices and complex multi-opening filling processes while maintaining sufficient stability through optimized contact section design and adhesive application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specifically designed adhesive as an intermediary between the retaining element contact section and the window surface. This adhesive layer compensates for the reduced contact area by providing enhanced bonding, allowing single-sided attachment without compromising stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the gap between mounting section and window surface is sealed to prevent adhesive leakage, then adhesive containment is improved, but the attachment process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive leakage controlVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the sealing device entirely from the attachment process. By designing the adhesive application system to control adhesive flow through the filling opening and contact section geometry, adhesive leakage is prevented without requiring additional sealing components or steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If single-sided retaining element attachment is used to simplify the attachment process, then the attachment complexity is reduced, but the stability and stiffness of the arrangement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of attachment processVSAvoidstability of retaining element arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the adhesive layer (increasing thickness to 1-5mm and using high-modulus adhesive with E-modulus of 150-600 MPa) to compensate for single-sided attachment. This maintains the stability and stiffness of the arrangement while keeping the attachment process simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If adhesive layer thickness is increased to improve positioning flexibility and compensate for manufacturing variations, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the required adhesive quantity and potential leakage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidadhesive quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive locally through a controlled filling opening and distributes it through channels in the contact section. This ensures the adhesive is placed precisely where needed, maintaining positioning flexibility while preventing excessive adhesive quantity and potential leakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 simplifies the attachment process, provides high positioning flexibility, and ensures secure and stable adhesion, reducing manufacturing variations and enhancing the rigidity of the side window arrangement.

Implementation Method 1

The contact section (2) is adhesively attached to the first surface (Ia) of the side window (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3724437B1Vehicle side panel with retaining element mounted on one side
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP3724437B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3724437B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3724437B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a side window (I) for a vehicle, comprising a first surface (Ia), an opposing second surface (Ib) and a lower edge (U), as well as comprising at least one retaining element (1) attached in the region of the lower edge (U), wherein the retaining element (1) has a contact section (2) with a contact surface (2a) for securing to the side window (I) and a securing section (3) connected to the contact section (2) for securing to the vehicle, and wherein the retaining element (1) is secured to the side window (I) on one side, while the contact surface (2a) is connected to the first surface (Ia) by means of an adhesive (9), wherein the adhesive (9) has a thickness of at least 1 mm and a modulus of elasticity of at least 150 MPa.