Vehicle Window Drainage Seal With Elastic Snap-Fit Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drainage devices for vehicles face challenges in mounting due to dimensional tolerances, requiring significant force and often leading to ejection and water leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

A sealing system with an elastically deformable positioning element featuring a U- or V-shaped engaging head that facilitates easy mounting by deforming to accommodate the drainage device, and requires a larger force for removal, ensuring secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid sealing system is used to connect the drainage device to the vehicle window glass, then the connection strength is improved, but the difficulty of mounting increases and the drainage device may be ejected due to dimensional tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system incorporates an elastic arm that can dynamically adjust its position and deformation state. During mounting, the elastic arm deforms to accommodate dimensional variations of the drainage device, making insertion easy. After mounting, the elastic arm returns to its original state, providing strong connection force to prevent ejection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system changes the physical state of the connection from rigid to elastic. The elastic arm's ability to deform and rebound allows the system to adapt to dimensional tolerances while maintaining strong connection, resolving the contradiction between mounting ease and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid sealing system is used to connect the drainage device, then the connection stability is improved, but the water leakage risk increases due to ejection from dimensional tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidwater leakage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic arm provides dynamic adaptation to dimensional variations, ensuring the drainage device remains securely connected without ejection. This dynamic adjustment prevents gaps that could lead to water leakage while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arm is designed with pre-compression capability to accommodate dimensional tolerances before they cause problems. The elastic deformation absorbs the dimensional variations, preventing ejection and subsequent water leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If a deformable positioning element is used to facilitate easy mounting, then the mounting ease is improved, but the connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic arm transitions from a deformed state during mounting to a rebound state after mounting. During mounting, the elastic arm deforms to facilitate easy insertion. After the drainage device is fully inserted, the elastic arm rebounds to its original shape, generating strong connection force that secures the drainage device firmly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Easier installation and improved stability of the drainage device, reducing mounting time and enhancing product durability.

Implementation Method 1

the positioning element 130 being at least partially elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the engaging head can partially rebound to abut against the rib of the drainage device, thereby fixing the drainage device to the sealing system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic rebound: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4093624B1Sealing system for connecting drainage device to vehicle window glass
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAINT GOBAIN SEKURIT FRANCE
  • EP4093624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4093624B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4093624B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sealing system (100) for connecting a drainage device (200) to a vehicle window glass (300), comprising: a fixing section (110) for being connected to the vehicle window glass (300) and an engaging section (120) for being detachably connected to the drainage device (200), the engaging section (120) comprising a supporting body (121), an elastic arm (122), and a transition portion (123) connecting the supporting body (121) to the elastic arm (122); wherein the sealing system (100) further comprises a positioning element (130) connected to the transition portion (123) and the supporting body (121), the positioning element (130) being at least partially elastically deformable; further, the positioning element (130) comprises an elastic leg (131) connected to the transition portion (123) and an engaging head (132) connected to the supporting body (121), the engaging head (132) having a cross section presenting a U-shape or V-shape, and the U-shape or the V-shape having an opening oriented towards the supporting body (121). The sealing system makes it easier to mount the drainage device (200) to the sealing system (100), and the drainage device (200) can still remain on the sealing system (100) after a long period of bump and use.