Thin Window-Holder Structure for Compact Laminated Vehicle Glazing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window-holder systems for laminated vehicle glazings are prone to damage the lamination, are not compact or lightweight, and may not provide sufficient strength and reliability, especially when used in constrained spaces like vehicle doors, and they complicate the size and interchangeability with monolithic windows.
Innovation Solution
A window-holder system comprising a base plate and cover flanges that are integrated into the laminated structure, ensuring direct contact with glass sheets through the interlayer, providing a compact and reliable attachment without additional thickness, and allowing for adjustable height and hidden fixation during lamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional window-holder system with threaded attachment rod and nut is used, then the window can be held, but the forces applied are likely to damage the lamination and the system is not compact or lightweight
Solution Approach 1:
The window-holder is divided into multiple functional parts: a base plate for distributing forces, cover flanges for sealing and attachment, and an integrated fixation system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation elements (screws, nuts, or clips) are integrated directly into the window-holder structure, merging the holding function with the attachment mechanism. This eliminates separate threaded rods and nuts, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plate and counter-washer system with spiral outer surface is used, then tolerance compensation is allowed, but the system is not sufficiently reliable as all forces pass through the plate
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate features a localized spiral outer surface or complementary recess in specific areas to provide tolerance compensation, while other areas maintain rigid force distribution paths. This localized application of flexibility preserves reliability while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer of plastic material acts as an intermediary between the window-holder and the glass sheets, distributing forces more evenly and providing tolerance compensation through its viscoelastic properties, thereby enhancing both reliability and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If an insert is fixed to the interior glass sheet with a gap, then the insert can be attached, but the insert is relatively thin and may not be strong enough to reliably attach the glazing
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-reinforced with ribs, protrusions, or integrated fixation elements during manufacturing, providing the necessary strength before installation. This preliminary strengthening allows easy attachment while ensuring sufficient load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is made from composite materials or features composite structures combining rigid and flexible properties, providing both strength for reliable attachment and ease of installation. The composite structure may include reinforcement fibers or layered construction.
4Ease of manufacture
If an insert with tab is fixed to the interior glass sheet by gluing, then the insert can be attached, but the tab locally forms an overthickness, bulge, increasing the size of the glazing
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a nested structure where the tab or fixation element is recessed into the insert body or conforms to the curvature of the glass sheet, preventing protrusion. The fixation elements are nested within the overall glazing profile, maintaining a flush external surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation mechanism is moved from a protruding tab structure to a planar or recessed configuration, changing the dimensional arrangement. The insert may feature undercuts, recesses, or conformal geometry that eliminates thickness increase while maintaining attachment capability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a window-holder system is designed for laminated windows, then it can be used with laminated glazing, but it complicates interchangeability with monolithic windows and requires standardized connection means
Solution Approach 1:
The window-holder is designed with a universal base plate and cover flange configuration that can accommodate both laminated and monolithic windows. The standardized connection interface and attachment mechanism work with different window types, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A height-adjustable glazing for a vehicle, includes a laminated window including an exterior glass sheet, an interior glass sheet and an interlayer of plastic material located between said exterior and interior glass sheets, the laminated window having an external face intended to be oriented towards an exterior space, an edge and an internal face intended to be oriented towards an interior space, the height-adjustable glazing having a fixing zone wherein a window-holder is fixed to the laminated window, the fixing zone optionally having a fixing hole, wherein the window-holder includes a base plate having an external base face which is in contact with an internal face of the exterior glass sheet and located in a complementary recess in the plastic interlayer, and at least one cover flange having an external flange face which is in contact with an internal interlayer face of the plastic interlayer.