Windshield Optical Window Overlay for Accurate Seal Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual installation of seals between a windshield and a vehicle body often results in deviations from the intended path, affecting the seal's ability to inhibit air and moisture leakage, and requiring reinstallation, which increases manufacturing cycle time.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle windshield design featuring an overlay with optical windows that illuminate a path for the seal, allowing for precise application and inspection of the seal's installation, ensuring it follows the intended path and adheres correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation of seals is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deviations from the intended path
Solution Approach 1:
An overlay with optical windows is introduced as an intermediary between the seal and the windshield. The overlay includes a mask layer with optical windows that provide visual guidance during seal application, ensuring the seal follows the intended path while maintaining ease of manual installation
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay uses optical windows that create visual contrast (light/dark patterns) to delineate the seal path. The mask layer with optical windows provides a visual guide that helps operators apply the seal accurately along the intended path
2Device complexity
If manual installation of seals is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing time increases due to reinstallation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay with optical windows and mask layer is prepared in advance before seal installation. This preliminary preparation provides visual guidance that prevents seal path deviations, eliminating the need for reinstallation and reducing manufacturing cycle time without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical windows provide visual feedback during seal application, allowing operators to see whether the seal is following the intended path. This immediate feedback prevents deviations and eliminates rework, improving productivity without complex automated systems
3Strength
If primer layers are applied to aid adhesion, then strength of seal adhesion is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to primer path deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The overlay with optical windows serves as an intermediary guide for primer application. The mask layer with optical windows provides a visual path that ensures both the primer and subsequent seal are applied accurately, preventing primer path deviations while maintaining adhesion strength
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 solution ensures accurate and efficient installation of the seal, reducing manufacturing time and enhancing the seal's effectiveness in preventing air and moisture leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the optical windows are sized to allow light to pass through the glass sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle windshield includes a glass sheet and an overlay extending around a periphery of the glass sheet. The overlay includes a plurality of optical windows defined therein. A seal extends along a path delineated by the plurality of optical windows. The optical windows are sized to allow light to pass through the overlay.