FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to windshield molding structure of vehicle and, in particularly, to a stepped windshield molding structure that not only improves the aerodynamics of the vehicle but also improves the visibility of ORVMs during rainy conditions.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] In automobile, windshield molding is usually attached around an edge of a windshield panel to seal the space between the windshield glass and window opening of a vehicle body panel. Typically, the automobile windshield molding is either directly attached to the vehicle body panel or is supported by a fastener fixedly mounted on the body panel. Various types of moldings can be installed on the bodies of vehicles. For example, it is known to provide windshield moldings having both sealing and decorative functions when they are installed between the peripheral edges of the windshield glass and associated vehicle window opening. These moldings are usually extrusion molded in a long belt shape using elastomers, such as rubber and synthetic resins, and usually consist of a support leg which adheres and fastens to the vehicle body side and a decorative portion which is exposed toward the outside.
[003] Under conditions with high air velocity and heavy rainfall, conventional windshield molding designs provide water channel for effective drain out of water from the sides of the vehicle. Water, being of higher density settles down and escapes through the provided channel. Air flow at the junction between windshield and A-pillar also has a drastic impact on the drag performance of the vehicle. Conventional molding designs adversely affect this performance due the level difference between these parts. This level difference also leads to the formation of air vortices in the side body. When these vortices interact with the bulk of air flow passing through the sides, an undesirable wind noise is generated close to the driver or co-driver. Hence the flow should be smooth in this region which can be done by reducing the level difference. Under high velocity and dry conditions, there is absence of mechanism that can smoothen this air flow.
[004] Fig. 1 illustrates location of location of windshield molding at front end of the vehicle to receive the windshield glass. Figure 1 illustrates structure of the windshield molding structure as known in the art. The windshield molding structure 201 is provided in between the windshield glass 202 and the vehicle body panel 203. The windshield molding structure 201 has a channel to receive the windshield glass 202. The windshield molding structure 201 has leg which extend along periphery of the windshield molding structure 201 and seals the windshield molding structure 201 on the vehicle body panel 203. The windshield molding structure 201 forms a water channel 204 between the vehicle body panel 203 and the windshield molding structure 201 for draining out of water which spills on the windshield glass 202. The water channel 204 between A-pillar of the vehicle body panel 203 and the windshield molding 201 allow slow draining of water, specifically, rain water. The rain water flows over the A-pillar of the vehicle body panel 203 and spread over the side window which decreases Outside Rear View Mirror (ORVM) visibility by building up of thick water film.
[005] As shown in the figure 3, unattached flow of air from the windshield and the A-pillar which drastically impacts the drag performance of the vehicle. During normal (non-rainy) conditions, the air flow 205 over conventional molding structure 201 does not facilitate the attachment of flow over A-pillar which not only increases vehicle drag but also causes wind noise due to the formation of air vortices at this region. Due the proximity of A-pillar regions with driver and co-driver, the wind noise problem holds critical importance.
[006] Technical reason for generation of noise and un-attachment of air flow over A-pillar is level difference 206 between upper surface of the windshield molding structure 201 and the A-pillar of the vehicle body panel 203.
[007] Technical reason for decrease ORVM visibility is low capacity and less number of water channels in the windshield molding structure.
[008] Therefore, under conditions of high air speed and rainfall, moldings effectively seal out water, air and debris from the edges of the windshield where it meets the body and provides passage for the water to exit the body from the sides.
[009] Accordingly, the present invention is designed to overcome the above limitations by providing a cost-effective windshield molding structure which is easily installed in the space between the windshield glass and vehicle body panel to provide a relatively smooth and decorative air tight transition between the windshield glass and vehicle body panel, thereby minimizing air flow whistling, improving aerodynamic drag, and efficient flow of water, specifically, rain water without decreasing the visibility of the ORVM.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0010] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to structure of windshield molding in vehicle. The present windshield molding structure is multi stepped windshield molding. The multi stepped windshield molding structure provide smooth air flow over windshield A-pillar junction and at the same time ensures the restriction of water flow over A-pillar from obstructing the visibility of ORVMs during rainy conditions. The present windshield molding structure provides a multi-channel path for water flow using multiple steps which avoids the formation of vortices leading to better aerodynamics and reduction in wind noise.
[0011] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 illustrate location of the windshield molding in vehicle in general;
[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of windshield molding as known in the art;
[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates water channel and air flow in the windshield molding structures as known in the art;
[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates location of windshield molding structure in vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates structure of the windshield molding, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates stepped construction of the windshield molding structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0019] Fig. 7 illustrates windshield molding structure with a plurality of water channels, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0020] Fig. 8 illustrates air flow over the windshield molding structure and vehicle body panel to improve aerodynamic drag coefficient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0021] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0022] The present subject matter relates to a windshield molding structure with a plurality of water channels to drain out water effectively from the windshield glass. The windshield molding structure has a windshield glass receiving channel which is a ‘C’ shaped cavity in the structure to receive the windshield glass. The windshield glass receiving channel is defined by base member and lower member which extends opposite to each other from a vertical distance of base of the windshield molding structure. The windshield molding structure has a stepped construction to define/form a plurality of water channels. The multiples steps steps serve the function of restricting the quantity of water from flowing over the A-pillar by providing multiple water channels. During rainy condition, water gets accumulated in front of the 1st water channel and after reaching the total molding height it drops in the final water channel, hence effectively reducing the amount of water that flow over the A-pillar. The multi stepped construction of the windshield molding has a lower member or lower step, middle member or middle step, and upper member or upper step. The middle member extends vertical above from the lower member at a distance from end portion of the lower member upto a height to define a water channel. Similarly, the upper member extends vertical above from the middle member at a distance from end portion of the middle member upto a height to define another water channel. At the end, there is a water channel between the windshield molding structure and the vehicle body panel to drain out the water which passes through the stepped water channels of the molding structure.
[0023] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, level difference between the windshield molding structure and the vehicle body panel is reduced due to which there is no formation of air vortices in the vehicle body panel. This also reduces wind noise near the A-pillar of the vehicle body panel. The height of the windshield molding structure provides smooth air flow over windshield A-pillar junction to improve aerodynamic drag coefficient of the vehicle. has height
[0024] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principle of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0025] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates the location of the windshield molding structure in the vehicle. The windshield molding is provided under the windshield in front end of the vehicle. Fig. 5 illustrates structure of the present windshield molding structure in accordance with the present subject matter. In the present windshield molding structure, multiple steps are provided along the A-pillar of the vehicle body panel to effectively reduce the noise and spreading of water over the side window.
[0027] Fig. 6 illustrates the cross section of the present windshield molding structure with multiple steps. The present windshield molding structure 400 is a modified multi stepped windshield molding that improves the aerodynamic drag
coefficient of the vehicle and at the same time enhances ORVM visibility by restricting the building up of water film thickness over side glass. The windshield molding structure 400 is designed to accommodate multiple steps as shown in fig 6 and 7.
[0028] As shown in the figure 6 and 7, the windshield molding structure 400 has windshield glass receiving channel 404 which is defined by opposing extending base member 405 and the lower member 403. The windshield glass receiving channel 404 is in ‘C’ shape to receive the windshield glass 502. The windshield molding structure 400 is placed in between the windshield glass 502 and vehicle body panel 501. The windshield molding structure 400 has a flange 406 which extends from back surface to engage with opening of the vehicle body panel 501 to seal the windshield molding structure 400 on the vehicle body panel 501. The base member 405 rests on the vehicle body panel 501. The lower member 403 provided at upper side of the windshield glass 502 to restrict entry of water inside the windshield molding structure 400.
[0029] The windshield molding structure 400 has multi stepped construction to define a plurality of water channels 403a, 402a, 401a. The multi stepped construction of the windshield molding structure 400 has lower member or lower step 403, middle member or middle step 402, and upper member or upper step 401. Vertical difference H3 between the lower member 403 and the upper surface of the windshield glass 502 form one water channel 403a. The middle member 402 extends vertical above from the lower member 403 at a distance L3 from end portion of the lower member 403 upto a height H2 to form a water chancel 402a. Similarly, the upper member 401 extends vertical above from the middle member 402 at a distance L2 from end portion of the middle member 402 upto a height H1 to form water channel 401a. Further, sealing of the windshield molding structure 400 with the vehicle body panel 501 define a water channel 503 to drain out the water which passes the plurality of water channels of the windshield molding structure 400. The height H1, H2, H3 and the length L1, L2, and L3 of the members can be optimized and changed as per the requirements and dimension of the vehicle. Further, number of steps or water channel can be increased as per dimensions of the vehicle. Any change in the dimensions of the molding structure within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, level difference 504 between the vehicle body panel 501 and the end surface of the upper member 401 is very small which eliminates formation of air vortices in the vehicle body panel 501 region. The small level difference 504 provides a smooth air flow path 701 as shown in the figure 8. In other words, the height H of the windshield molding structure 400 is approximately equal to the height of the vehicle body panel 501. Hence there is no formation of air vortices.
[0031] The windshield molding structure 400 is made from a material PVC (hs:75-90). It is made from extrusion process.
[0032] The present multi stepped structure of the windshield molding structure 400 allows gradual air flow passage over the windshield molding which reduces the flow separation due to the lesser level 504 difference between A-pillar and windshield. This also avoids the formation of vortices which contribute to wind noise. The multi step construction of the windshield molding structure 400 restricts the quantity of water from flowing over the A-pillar towards the side glass of the window by providing multiple water channels. During rainy condition, water gets accumulated in the steps of the molding and after reaching the total molding height drops into another water channel 503 which is conventionally provided in all moldings, hence effectively reducing the amount of water that flows over the A-pillar.
[0033] Comparison between the existing molding structure and the present molding structure.
S. No. Item Existing Design
(Base Model) Present Invention
1. Aerodynamic Drag High Low
2. A-pillar wind noise High Low
3. ORVM visibility during Rain High Low
4. Multiple steps No Yes
5. Multiple water channels No Yes

[0034] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:
1. A windshield molding (400) for vehicles to install windshield glass (501) along periphery of window opening in vehicle body panel (502) for aerodynamic performance and water channeling over the windshield glass (501), the windshield molding (400) comprising:
a windshield glass receiving channel (404) defined by opposing extending base member (405) and lower member (403), wherein the base member (405) rests on the vehicle body panel (502) and the lower member (403) covers upper side of the windshield glass (501);
a plurality of water channels (403a, 402a, 401a) formed by stepped construction of the windshield molding (400) at upper surface for drainage of the water, wherein the stepped construction of the windshield molding (400) comprising:
a middle member (402) extend vertical above from the lower member (403) at a distance (L3) from end portion of the lower member (403) upto height (H2) to define a water channel (402a); and
a upper member (401) extend vertical above from the middle member (402) at a distance (L2) from end portion of the middle member (402) upto height (H1) to define a water channel (401a).
2. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower member (403) has a height (H3) from the windshield glass (501) to define a water channel (403a).
3. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the windshield molding (400) define a water channel (503) in between the vehicle body panel (501) and straight side surface (407) of the windshield molding (400).
4. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein height (H) of the windshield molding (400) is approximately equal to height of the vehicle body panel (501).
5. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of water channels (403a, 402a, 401a) restrict quantity of water flow from flowing over A pillar.
6. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the windshield molding (400) has a sealing member (406) which extend along length to seal the windshield molding (400) with the vehicle body panel (501).
7. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the windshield molding (400) has stepped construction with the plurality of water channels (403a, 402a, 401a) along A-pillar of the vehicle.
8. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the windshield molding (400) is made from a material of PVC (hs:75-90).
9. The windshield molding (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the windshield molding (400) is made from extrusion process.