Profiled Window Seal Trim with Molded Lug Fixation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glazing trim fixing methods are unreliable and complex, especially when space is limited, leading to high scrap rates and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for intermediate fastening elements or adhesion promoters.

Innovation Solution

A trim with integrated lugs that are molded directly into the profiled joint portion, providing a mechanical grip without intermediate fastening elements or adhesion promoters, ensuring a non-removable and reliable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If intermediate clips or adhesion promoters are used to fix the trim, then the trim can be attached to the profiled joint portion, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim fixation reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lug and the trim are merged into a single integral component, eliminating the need for separate intermediate clips or adhesion promoters. The lug is directly formed as part of the trim structure, allowing it to be molded directly into the profiled joint portion while maintaining reliable mechanical fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lug acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the trim and the profiled joint portion. Instead of using complex intermediate clips or chemical adhesion promoters, the lug provides a simple mechanical mediation that enables direct molding and reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If retention elements are introduced through holes in the seal portion, then the trim can be fixed in limited space, but the fixation is not sufficiently reliable and the trim can be easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to limited spaceVSAvoidtrim fixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of introducing retention elements through holes from the outer face (as in prior art), the lug is formed as an integral part of the trim that extends inward, and the hole is molded directly into the profiled joint portion to receive the lug. This inverted approach provides both space efficiency and reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The lug is pre-formed as an integral part of the trim during the trimming process, before assembly. The hole is simultaneously molded into the profiled joint portion, ensuring proper alignment and reliable mechanical interlocking without requiring post-assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If perforated tabs are folded under the profiled joint portion, then the trim is well maintained, but the manufacturing complexity increases and scrap rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim maintenanceVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lug and trim are merged into a single integral component formed in one molding operation, eliminating the need for separate folding operations. The hole in the profiled joint portion is simultaneously molded, ensuring proper alignment and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The molding process itself creates the hole in the profiled joint portion and forms the lug in the trim, allowing the components to self-align and interlock without requiring additional folding or assembly operations. This reduces both complexity and scrap rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3463954B1Window with profiled sealing with trim and method for manufacturing said window
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP3463954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3463954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3463954B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

This invention relates to a glass panel (1) comprising a glazed element (2), at least one profiled seal section (3), at least one strip (4) that has an elongate shape and has a base (40) and at least one flange (41), said base being located above an exterior face (32) of said profiled seal section (3), characterised in that said flange (41) comprises, at one end (44) opposite said base (40), at least one tab (45) which is present in said profiled seal section (3) and penetrates into said profiled seal section (3) via a hole (30) opening out at said exterior face (32) but not at an interior face (33) of said profiled seal section (3), and said tab (45) contacting, in its entirety, said profiled seal section (3).