Vehicle Window Module Bonded Frame Clamping Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window modules for railway cars face challenges in balancing ease of mounting and replacement with high resistance to loads and impermeability, as direct-bonded windows are costly to replace and clamped windows are less resistant and less impermeable.

Innovation Solution

A window module with a frame secured by bonding agents and a clamping seal system, allowing easy mounting and replacement by severing one bonding agent and dismantling the clamping seal system, ensuring high resistance and impermeability through a multilayer glazing configuration with an outer pane bonded to the frame and an inner pane clamped into the seal system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If direct bonding of glass on vehicle body is used, then window resistance to high loads and impermeability are improved, but replacement cost and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow resistance to loadsVSAvoidglazing replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The window assembly is segmented into modular components: the vehicle body, the frame (detachable from body), and the glazing (detachable from frame). This segmentation allows the glazing to be replaced independently without damaging the body, resolving the contradiction between strong bonding and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A frame acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle body and the glazing. The frame provides bonding surfaces for both the body and glazing, allowing the glazing to be strongly bonded while remaining replaceable through frame detachment, thus resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and replacement ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If clamping glazing on rubber profiles is used, then mounting and dismounting ease is improved, but window resistance to stresses and loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting and dismounting easeVSAvoidwindow resistance to stresses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is pre-bonded to the vehicle body before the glazing is installed. This preliminary bonding creates a strong structural foundation that can support the glazing under stress, while still allowing the glazing to be easily mounted and dismounted through the frame's clamping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If clamping glazing on rubber profiles is used, then mounting ease is improved, but impermeability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidwindow impermeability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented and distributed across multiple components: the frame structure and the clamping mechanism work together to maintain impermeability while allowing easy mounting. The frame provides structural sealing support that complements the rubber profile sealing action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables easy installation and replacement of window modules while maintaining high resistance to loads and impermeability, reducing downtime and costs associated with direct-bonded windows while improving durability over clamped windows.

Implementation Method 1

The outer pane (34) is bonded to the frame (14) by means of a bonding agent (48)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3241696B1Window module, vehicle body, methods for manufacturing a vehicle body and for replacing a glazing of a vehicle body
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3241696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241696B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a window module (2) for a vehicle body (1), the window module comprising a frame (14), adapted for being mounted into a window opening (6) provided in the vehicle body, and a glazing (30), comprising at least an inner pane (32) and an outer pane (34). According to the invention, the outer pane is bonded to the frame by means of a first bonding agent (48) and the window module (2) further comprises a clamping seal system (52), by means of which the inner pane (32) is clamped to the frame (14).