Vehicle Window Assembly Integrated Bonding System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Window assemblies for vehicles require complex assembly processes due to separate adhesive systems, necessitating additional operations and increased manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

An integrated bonding system where the window assembly includes an adhesive member pre-bonded to the window, which is then bonded to the vehicle's sheet metal using an encapsulation member with a notch for the adhesive, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and additional assembly steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate adhesive systems and mechanical fasteners are used to attach window assemblies to vehicle sheet metal, then the bonding strength and reliability are improved, but the assembly complexity and number of manufacturing operations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adhesive system and mechanical fastening system into a single integrated attachment mechanism. The window assembly includes both adhesive members and fasteners that work together as one unified bonding system, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations and reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining reliable bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated bonding system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the adhesive members provide sealing and bonding, while the fasteners provide mechanical attachment and positioning. This multi-functional design allows a single attachment operation to achieve both chemical and mechanical bonding, reducing the number of manufacturing steps required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate adhesive systems and mechanical fasteners are used to attach window assemblies, then the bonding reliability is improved, but the number of manufacturing operations and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive members are pre-applied to the window assembly during manufacturing, allowing them to partially cure or prepare for bonding before installation. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and time required during the actual installation operation, as the adhesive system is already in place and ready for final attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the adhesive application and fastener installation into a single integrated operation, the patent eliminates sequential manufacturing steps. The window assembly can be attached to the vehicle in one operation rather than requiring separate adhesive application and fastening steps, significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If multiple separate attachment systems are used, then the bonding strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly simplicity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple attachment mechanisms (adhesive members and fasteners) into a single pre-assembled unit on the window. This merging allows the window assembly to be manufactured with all attachment components in place, making the final installation to the vehicle simpler and more straightforward while maintaining the bonding strength benefits of multiple attachment methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the installation process by integrating the adhesive system, reducing the number of operations required and ensuring a strong, noise-resistant bond between the window assembly and the vehicle's sheet metal.

Implementation Method 1

The adhesive member is further bonded to the margin of material when the window assembly is attached to the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7703830B2Window assembly having an integral bonding system
Publication Date: 2010.04.27 PLASMAN US HOLDCO LLC
  • US7703830B2 patent drawing
  • US7703830B2 patent drawing
  • US7703830B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A window assembly for a vehicle includes a window opening defined by a margin of material. The window assembly also includes a window having an adhesive member bonded on it prior to an installation operation on a vehicle. The adhesive member is further bonded to the margin of material when the window assembly is attached to the vehicle.