Two-part Window Bracket for Vehicle Glazing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window bracket solutions for glazing units are prone to damaging laminated windows, are not compact or lightweight, and lack precision in axis positioning, leading to unreliable attachment and movement.

Innovation Solution

A glazing unit with a window bracket featuring a flange and counter-flange system, where the window has an open-ended tubular hole for a sleeve and counter-sleeve, allowing for secure attachment without nuts, with adhesive layers and pins for enhanced reliability and compactness, enabling precise positioning and secure attachment to a moving system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional window bracket with threaded attachment rod and nut is used, then the window can be attached to a moving system, but the forces applied are liable to damage the lamination and the structure is not compact or lightweight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to lamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The window bracket is divided into two separate parts: a first part with a first through-hole and a second part with a second through-hole. These parts are positioned on opposite faces of the window and connected by a fastening element, distributing mechanical stresses across separate locations rather than concentrating them at a single attachment point, thereby preventing lamination damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fastening element acts as an intermediary component connecting the first part and second part of the window bracket. This intermediary distributes and balances the mechanical forces applied to the window, preventing direct concentration of stresses that could damage the lamination while maintaining secure attachment to the moving system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a traditional window bracket with multiple components is used, then the window can be securely attached, but the compactness and weight are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidbracket weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The window bracket design merges the functions of multiple components into an integrated structure where the first part, second part, and fastening element work together as a unified system. This integration achieves secure attachment while minimizing the total number of separate components, reducing overall weight and improving compactness compared to traditional multi-component brackets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a hinge-connected two-part window bracket is used, then assembly is simplified, but the reliability is insufficient because pins may disengage when bolted too much

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidbracket reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a hinge connection that allows relative movement between parts (which can lead to pin disengagement), the invention inverts the approach by using a rigid fastening element that directly connects the first and second parts without hinge joints. This eliminates the disengagement risk while maintaining assembly simplicity through the straightforward insertion and fastening process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Manufacturing precision

If a plate and counter-washer system with three pins is used, then tolerance compensation is achieved, but reliability is insufficient because all forces pass through the plate without a counter-plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidforce distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window bracket is segmented into a first part and a second part positioned on opposite faces of the window, connected by a fastening element. This segmentation creates a balanced structure where forces are distributed through both parts rather than concentrated in a single plate, achieving both tolerance compensation and improved force distribution reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element serves as an intermediary that connects the first part and second part, distributing mechanical forces evenly across both components. This intermediary structure prevents the concentration of all forces through a single plate, enhancing reliability while maintaining the tolerance compensation capability through the distributed connection geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12060741B2Glazing unit with two-part window bracket and method for producing said glazing unit

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE

AI summary

A glazing unit for a vehicle which can be moved heightwise includes a window including at least one hole and at least one window bracket. The window bracket includes a flange including a plate positioned facing one face of the window, and a hollow tubular sleeve of which a wall extends into the hole in the window along a thickness, and a counter-flange including a counter-plate positioned facing another face of the window and a tubular counter-sleeve of which a wall extends along a thickness into the sleeve of the flange.