Vehicle Windscreen Glazing System with Elastomeric Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windscreen attachment methods weaken the glass and fail to provide a watertight seal, leading to safety issues and increased maintenance costs due to cracking and water intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A glazing system that uses a combination of elastomeric and thermoplastic materials with snap-fit or sliding connections, along with adhesive seals, to securely attach windshields to vehicle frames without compromising the integrity of the glass, forming a weatherproof barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts or screws are used to attach the windscreen to the frame, then the windscreen is securely fixed, but the glass is weakened and cracks over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the windscreen and the frame. The bracket absorbs the mechanical stress of attachment, while the windscreen is secured through recesses or channels that distribute pressure evenly across its surface, preventing localized weakening and cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical fastening system (bolts/screws through the glass) with an alternative mechanical system using mounting brackets with recesses or channels. This substitution eliminates the need to drill holes through the windscreen, maintaining its structural integrity while achieving secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the windscreen is attached using conventional methods, then it is fixed to the frame, but a complete watertight seal is not formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible sealing elements (gaskets or seals) within the mounting bracket structure. These flexible components conform to the windscreen and frame surfaces, creating a watertight barrier that prevents water, wind, and dust penetration while maintaining attachment simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If holes or apertures are drilled in the windscreen for attachment, then the windscreen can be secured with bolts, but the glass becomes weakened and spiderwebs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary that provides attachment points on the frame side without requiring holes in the windscreen. The bracket engages with the windscreen through surface-level recesses or channels, maintaining glass strength while enabling easy operation during installation.
4Strength
If the windscreen is secured with bolts tightened over time, then firm attachment is achieved, but the bolted areas eventually crack
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket acts as a stress-absorbing intermediary that distributes attachment forces evenly across the windscreen surface through recesses or channels. This prevents localized stress concentration that would lead to cracking over time, thereby extending the windscreen's service life while maintaining firm attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket design incorporates cushioning elements or flexible sealing components that preemptively protect the windscreen from stress concentration and environmental damage. This beforehand protection prevents cracking before it occurs, extending the operational life of the windscreen.
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 system effectively prevents cracking and water intrusion, ensuring a safe and durable attachment that maintains the windscreen's integrity while providing a watertight seal against wind, water, and dust.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal end may be made of an elastomeric material
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive may be inserted into the pocket
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods including various glazing devices are provided for attaching a window structure to a frame of a vessel or vehicle to form a seal therebetween.