Window Wiper Sealing Strip With Scalable Fairing and Variable Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window wipers for motor vehicle doors face challenges in scalability, manufacturing complexity, and rigidity, particularly in achieving a varying section and shape along the longitudinal direction without increasing production costs or compromising rigidity.

Innovation Solution

A window wiper design featuring a first extruded portion and a second portion with an insert and overmolding, allowing for a varying section and improved rigidity, where the insert is clipped into the extruded portion and the overmolding covers at least part of the insert, enabling a break between the two portions for enhanced flexibility and attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional extruded weatherstrip is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the cross-section cannot be adjusted along the length of the weatherstrip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-section adjustabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The weatherstrip is divided into a first portion (extruded) and a second portion (with insert and overmolding), allowing different sections to have different cross-sectional characteristics while maintaining manufacturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is placed inside the overmolding, creating a nested structure where the insert provides structural support and the overmolding provides the desired cross-sectional shape and sealing properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bi-injection weatherstrips are used to allow section evolution, then the cross-section can vary along the weatherstrip, but the weatherstrip becomes longer and more difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection variation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The weatherstrip is segmented into portions with different manufacturing methods, combining simple extrusion for the first portion with insert and overmolding for the second portion to achieve section variation without bi-injection complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert acts as an intermediary element that enables section variation by providing a core structure around which the overmolding is formed, allowing complex shapes without complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If molding techniques are used to vary the section, then the cross-section can change along the longitudinal direction, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection variabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The weatherstrip manufacturing is segmented into efficient extrusion for the first portion and insert-overmolding for the second portion, avoiding time-consuming full-length molding while achieving section variation where needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert and overmolding are applied only to the second portion of the weatherstrip where section variation is needed, rather than the entire length, maintaining productivity while achieving local adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If molding techniques are used to vary the section, then the cross-section can change along the longitudinal direction, but the rigidity of the weatherstrip may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesection variationVSAvoidweatherstrip rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The weatherstrip combines different materials and structures - the extruded first portion and the insert-overmolding second portion - creating a composite structure that achieves both section variation and enhanced rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is nested within the overmolding, creating a reinforced structure where the insert provides internal support and the overmolding provides external shape, together delivering both variability and rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3969306B1Window wiper sealing with scalable fairing
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 RENAULT SA
  • EP3969306B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3969306B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3969306B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a sealing strip (10), in particular an exterior movable window sealing strip for a door (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a first extruded portion (11) configured to press against a movable window (1) of a door (1) of a motor vehicle, and a second portion (12) adjacent to the first portion (11) and comprising an insert (20) fixed to the first portion (11) and comprising an overmolding (30) at least partially covering said insert (20).