Windscreen Water-Tray Mounting Profile Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a water-tray mounting profile to a windscreen face challenges in providing a strong bond and support without damaging the glass, adding significant weight, or increasing costs, especially due to limitations with adhesion to polypropylene materials and the need for vehicle bodywork support.
Innovation Solution
The use of small, flat reinforcing members bonded to the inner face of the windscreen with a flange extending parallel to the glazing, creating a slot to hold the water-tray mounting profile in place, providing localized support and a strong bond without relying on vehicle bodywork support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a water-tray mounting profile is attached to the windscreen using double-sided adhesive tape, then the installation is simple and cost-effective, but the bond strength is insufficient to withstand installation and service forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adhesive transfer tape as an intermediary bonding mechanism. The mounting profile includes a bonding surface with adhesive transfer tape that transfers adhesive to the windscreen during installation, providing both ease of installation and sufficient bond strength through the controlled adhesive transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adhesive application parameter from pre-applied double-sided tape to controlled adhesive transfer during installation. This parameter change allows the adhesive to be applied only where needed and in the correct amount, improving both bond strength and installation efficiency
2Reliability
If the mounting profile is designed to hold the water-tray securely with high retention force, then the water-tray is securely retained, but significant force is required for installation that may damage the windscreen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the retention mechanism dynamic through the adhesive transfer process. During installation, the adhesive is soft and transferable, allowing easy positioning. After installation, the adhesive cures to provide high retention force, thus adapting the retention characteristics to the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by using the adhesive layer as a cushioning element during installation. The adhesive absorbs installation forces and protects the windscreen from damage, while still providing the necessary retention force after curing
3Strength
If a reinforced profiled element is used to support the water-tray, then the support strength is sufficient, but the weight and complexity of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reinforcement function from a separate structural component and integrates it into the mounting profile itself through the adhesive transfer tape mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional heavy reinforcement elements while maintaining sufficient support strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function with the mounting profile by incorporating the adhesive transfer tape directly into the profile structure. This combination provides both mounting and support functions in a single lightweight component, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the mounting profile is attached without vehicle bodywork support, then pedestrian safety requirements are met, but the bond must withstand all installation and service forces alone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the adhesive transfer tape on the mounting profile before installation. This allows the adhesive to be applied optimally and ensures the bond is ready to withstand all forces from the outset, compensating for the lack of bodywork support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials in the adhesive transfer tape system, combining the mounting profile material with adhesive layers that provide enhanced bonding strength. This composite approach allows the bond to withstand all necessary forces without relying on additional bodywork support structures
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
This solution achieves a high retention force for the water-tray mounting profile, withstanding installation and service forces without damaging the windscreen, reducing weight and cost, and ensuring a secure seal, while allowing for efficient manufacturing and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforcing member which is bonded to the inner face of the windscreen
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An elongate glazing component such as a water-tray mounting profile (11) is attached to an automotive glazing (10) adjacent an edge (13) thereof so that it extends along at least part of the edge. At least one small, generally flat reinforcing member (15) is bonded by an adhesive (45) to the inner face (16) of the glazing (10) adjacent the glazing component (13), each reinforcing member having a contact area (46) for bonding to the inner face of the glazing, and a flange (47) which extends over part of the elongate glazing component and is in contact with it. The flange may be generally parallel to the inner face (16) of the glazing. Preferably the adhesive is cured by ultraviolet light and shrinks on curing. This property may be used to compress an attachment limb (38) of the water-tray mounting profile (11), thereby holding it more securely. The arrangement may be used to attach a water-tray (31) to a windscreen (10) of a vehicle without support from the vehicle bodywork (50).