Window Seal Clip Mounting for Low-Shrinkage Trim Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing methods for vehicle glazing seals are inefficient, requiring manual operations and leading to retassures and spatial issues, especially when using clip-type connections.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece fixing element comprising a base and semi-rigid pliers is molded directly onto the glazing seal, ensuring secure clipping and reducing retassures through encapsulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If separate base and clip elements are used for fixing the trim, then the clip element can be replaced if defective, but shrinkage and spatial bulk occur at the joint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplaceability of clip elementVSAvoidshrinkage and spatial bulk at joint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The base (6) and clips (7) are merged into a single integral fixing element (100) that is molded as one piece directly onto the seal. This eliminates the joint between separate elements, thereby preventing shrinkage and spatial bulk at the connection point while maintaining the overall fixing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If clip-type fixing methods are used for simplicity and speed of installation, then installation is simplified, but manual operations are still required which is not economically satisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity and speed of installationVSAvoideconomic efficiency of installation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is segmented into functional zones: a base portion (6) that integrates with the seal and clip portions (7) that engage the trim. This segmentation allows the element to be molded once and then quickly installed as a complete unit, reducing manual assembly steps while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base and clips are preliminarily assembled into a single integral element during the molding process. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for manual assembly operations during installation, thereby improving economic efficiency while maintaining simplicity and speed of the final installation step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If direct molding of gaskets and trim attachment element onto glazing is performed, then assembly process is simplified and size is reduced, but the fixing element must be integral with the seal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process complexityVSAvoidmodularity of fixing element
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base (6) and clips (7) are combined into a single integral fixing element (100) that is molded directly onto the seal. This merging simplifies the assembly process by eliminating separate assembly steps while the integral design itself becomes the modular unit that can be produced and installed as a complete component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3687846B1Mountingdevice for ornamental profile on window pane seal
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 AGC GLASS EUROPE SA
  • EP3687846B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to an element (100) for fastening trim (1) to a peripheral seal (10) of a window (11) of a vehicle, comprising at least one assembly of the clip type formed by a base (6) bearing, on the face intended to receive the trim, one or more semi-rigid clips (7), said clips comprising at least two arms between which a lug element (4) of the trim is introduced, characterized in that the fastening element (100) is formed of one piece enclosed in the peripheral seal during the moulding thereof to the window.