Vehicle Window Trim with Integrated Reinforcement Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window trims for fixed vehicle windows do not unitarily seal against the windshield due to the need for additional components to support the metallic frame members, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A window trim design featuring a reinforcement element integrated within the trim body, which supports the trim and facilitates engagement with the fixed window and vehicle without additional components, utilizing a combination of elastomeric materials and metallic reinforcement for effective sealing and structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple metallic support members are used to support the window trim, then the structural support is improved, but the device complexity increases and unitary sealing cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate metallic support members into a single integrated reinforcement element that extends continuously along the window trim. This consolidation maintains the necessary structural support while eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and their associated fasteners, thereby reducing device complexity and enabling unitary sealing against the windshield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single reinforcement element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to the window trim, enables unitary sealing against the windshield, and eliminates the need for separate drain elements and fasteners. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving structural integrity without increasing component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If additional components are used to support the metallic frame members, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (metallic support members, drain elements, fasteners) into a single integrated reinforcement element. This reduces the total part count, simplifies assembly operations, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary structural integrity of the window trim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates redundant components that were previously necessary for supporting the metallic frame members. By discarding the need for separate drain elements and multiple fasteners, the design reduces material costs and assembly complexity while recovering the essential structural function through the integrated reinforcement element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 provides a cost-effective and efficient sealing mechanism between the fixed window and vehicle, enhancing the structural integrity and sealing performance while eliminating the need for additional support components, thus improving the overall window trim functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The reinforcement element unitarily supports the trim body and facilitates engagement of the window trim with the fixed window and the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a trim body extending from the second section beyond the contact surface to position the first section along an interior surface of the fixed window. The trim body further includes a contact surface configured to engage the fixed window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3353003B1Window trim for use with a fixed window of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.08.11 AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A window trim (48) is used with a fixed window (28) of a vehicle. The fixed window is fixed to the vehicle (22) and has interior and exterior surfaces (42, 44) and a window edge (46). The window trim (48) includes a trim body (50) having a first section (56) having a substantially linear configuration and a second section (58) having an at least partially arcuate configuration defining a bend such that the second section (58) extends back toward the first section (56) and presents a contact surface (59) engaging the window edge (46). The first section (56) extends beyond the contact surface (59) and along the interior surface (42). The window trim (48) includes a reinforcement element (60) having first and second reinforcement portions (61, 63) configured to correspond to the substantially linear and at least partially arcuate configurations of the trim body (50), respectively. The first and second reinforcement portions (61, 63) continuously extend as a single unit within the first and second portions (56, 58), to support the trim body (50).