Vehicle Window Joint Trim Locking Against Seal Aging Drift

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Solution Overview

Problem

The aging of the extruded profile in motor vehicle window seals leads to a loss of contact between the trim and the lip, causing the trim to slide along the profile in the longitudinal direction, affecting aesthetics and potentially leading to malfunctions during opening and closing.

Innovation Solution

A window seal arrangement that includes a stop or protrusion extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, combined with a cutout in the trim, mechanically locks the trim in position, preventing movement along the profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction between the lip and trim is used to maintain the trim in position in the longitudinal direction, then the trim is held in position during normal operation, but the trim slides along the profile over time due to aging of the extruded profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim position stabilityVSAvoidservice life of positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: friction-based holding during normal operation and mechanical stopping atๆž้™ positions. The lip-trim friction interface is separated from the end-stop mechanical interface, allowing each to be optimized independently for its specific function and lifespan requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop features (protrusions or recesses) are pre-positioned at the ends of the trim before assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the trim is installed, the mechanical stop is already in place to prevent longitudinal sliding, eliminating the need for the friction interface to maintain position over the entire service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a mechanical stop is added to prevent trim sliding, then the trim remains securely positioned throughout the vehicle's lifetime, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim position stabilityVSAvoidclipping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop features are merged into the existing extruded profile and trim structures. The protrusion is formed as an integral part of the profile extrusion, and the corresponding recess is formed as an integral part of the trim, eliminating the need for separate stopping components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The extruded profile serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, creates the friction interface through the lip, and incorporates the stopping mechanism through the protrusion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4054871B1Window joint arrangement comprising a means for holding a trim in position
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 RENAULT SA
  • EP4054871B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4054871B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4054871B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (2) of a window joint (3) of a window (4) of a vehicle (1), comprising a door (5) and/or a body side element (6) of such a vehicle for receiving such a window (4), an extruded profile comprising a first end and a second end, an overmoulding element of flexible material, an insert of rigid material, a trim (40) which cooperates along the extruded profile in order to be clip-fitted into the extruded profile, the door (5) and/or the body side element (6) comprising a slot for receiving and/or positioning the insert, the arrangement (2) comprising a means for holding the trim (40) so as to prevent the trim (40) from moving relative to the extruded profile in the longitudinal direction of the trim (40) and/or in the transverse direction of the trim (40).