Vehicle Sunroof Sealing Structure for Leak-Prone Window Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sunroof designs suffer from leakage at the junctions of the front and rear windows due to ineffective application of elastic forces from rubber strips, particularly at the seams where the front and rear windows meet.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof structure is designed with a front window assembly, rear window assembly, and window side frame bars, featuring hollow tubular sealing strips and protrusions that cover the junctions between the rear side portion of the front window and the side edges of the rear window, ensuring effective sealing when the windows are closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rubber strips are used to seal the sunroof, then the sealing structure is simple, but the elastic forces are not effectively applied on the intersection at the junction of the seams, leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple functional components: rubber strips for general sealing, protrusions for junction reinforcement, and cover portions for intersection sealing. This segmentation allows each component to address specific sealing needs, particularly at critical junction areas where leakage occurs in conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions extend from the window side frame bars into the junction area, acting as intermediaries that transmit and concentrate the sealing force precisely at the intersection of seams. These protrusions bridge the gap between the rubber strip's general sealing action and the need for focused pressure at the vulnerable junction point.
2Ease of operation
If the front window is in a close position, then all seams are sealed by elastic force, but the elastic forces are not effectively applied on the intersection at the junction, leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system transitions from uniform elastic force distribution to localized force concentration. The protrusions are strategically positioned at junction areas to concentrate sealing force where it is most needed, while the rubber strips provide general sealing elsewhere. This local quality enhancement ensures effective sealing at critical intersection points without compromising overall ease of operation.
3Reliability
If cover portions are added to cover the junctions, then leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portions are integrated with the existing window side frame bars, merging the sealing function with the structural support function. This combination reduces the need for entirely separate sealing components and minimizes overall system complexity while achieving improved waterproof performance at the junctions.
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 structure effectively prevents leakage by covering the seams between the front and rear windows, enhancing the sealing performance and ensuring a watertight closure.
Implementation Method 1
all of the seams are sealed by the elastic force caused by the rubber strips
Implementation Method 2
the rear sealing strip and the protrusions are covered by the cover portions respectively
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to a waterproof structure having a front window assembly, a rear window assembly and a pair of window side frame bars. The front window assembly has a front glass panel, a front frame, and a rear side portion. The rear window assembly has a rear glass panel, a rear sealing strip, a pair of side edges, and a front side portion connected between the pair of side edges. Each window side frame bar has a protrusion extended toward the rear side portion. The rear side portion has a pair of cover portions extended from two ends respectively, the front frame abuts against the rear sealing strip when the rear side portion moves to the front side portion, and the rear sealing strip and the protrusions are covered by the cover portions respectively.