Vehicle Window Profile Element with Movable Sealing Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing profile elements for connecting vehicle window panes to cover parts, such as water trough covers, face challenges during mounting due to installation space constraints, leading to increased installation forces and potential damage or misalignment, especially when aggregates in the engine compartment obstruct optimal alignment.
Innovation Solution
A profile element with a sealing element comprising two movable segments, allowing for relative movement between them, which can deflect during mounting to accommodate non-optimal positions and reduce necessary installation forces, thereby minimizing damage and misalignment risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the water trough cover is latched to the profile element over the entire profile length to ensure secure connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the alignment precision requirement increases and installation difficulty worsens due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is divided into at least two segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the sealing function to be maintained while accommodating alignment variations during installation. This segmentation enables the cover part to be mounted without precise alignment while still achieving secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element incorporates movable segments that can deflect and adjust dynamically during the latching process. This dynamic capability allows the sealing element to compensate for misalignment and reduce installation forces while maintaining connection strength.
2Ease of operation
If greater installation forces are exerted to mount the cover part from non-optimal positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the profile element may become detached or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The movable sealing element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs excess installation forces before they can transmit to the profile element and cause damage or detachment. This beforehand cushioning protects the profile element while enabling installation from non-optimal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element changes its physical state from rigid to flexible through the movement of segments, allowing it to accommodate force variations during installation. This parameter change enables the system to withstand higher installation forces without compromising reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required during mounting to ensure proper sealing, then the seal quality is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented to allow independent movement of each segment, enabling the sealing function to be maintained without requiring precise alignment between the cover part and profile element. This reduces installation time while preserving seal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element uses flexible segments that can deflect and conform to the sealing surface without requiring precise alignment. This flexibility maintains seal quality while significantly reducing the time and complexity of installation.
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 movable segments enable easier and safer mounting of cover parts by reducing installation forces and preventing damage to the profile element, even in unfavorable positions, while maintaining a seal between the window pane and cover part.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing element has at least a first segment and a second segment that are moveable relative to each other... which can deflect during mounting to accommodate non-optimal positions and reduce necessary installation forces
Data Source
AI summary
A profile element for connecting a vehicle window pane to a cover part includes a first connecting area for connecting the profile element to the vehicle window pane and a second connecting area for connecting the profile element to the cover part. A sealing element has at least a first segment and a second segment that are moveable relative to each other. The first segment has a first sealing surface configured to be placed against the vehicle window pane and the second segment has a second sealing surface configured to be placed against the cover part such that the sealing element forms a seal between the vehicle window pane and the cover part.