|
WINNER |
|||
|
|
|||
|
(click on the picture to see a larger illustration - it opens in a new window, close that window to return here) |
|||
| Description: | Extruded Seal for HIM Door Modules | Model: | Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty |
| OEM: | Chrysler LLC | Model Year: | 2007 |
| System Supplier: | Faurecia Interior Systems | Generic Resin Type: | TPE |
| Molder/Processor: | Faurecia Interior Systems | Resin Trade Name: | Santoprene |
| Toolmaker: | Reiss Robotics / Gepoc | Grade: | N/A |
| Material Supplier: | ExxonMobil | Other Innovative Features: |
TPE seal simplifies assembly and is much more robust
than traditional sealing methods. PU foam requires longer to
cure, the substrate needs treatment and is prone to damage during
handling or assembly. |
| Most Innovative Feature: | Provides 360 degrees of sealing that acts as a water barrier between wet and dry side, an acoustic barrier, and seals out dust and dirt. | Forming Process: | Heated TPE is extruded from a heated nozzle into the seal channel of the molded glass filled PolyPro module carrier panel. |
| Weight Savings: | TBD | First Time Process Used? |
Yes, first usage of this material as a seal for a
Door Module. |
| Cost Savings: | TBD | Previous Process: |
Previously, separate vapor and sound barriers were
required, or a PU seal in the case of a sealed Door Module. By
integrating the vapor/sound/dirt barrier to the module panel, these
operations are eliminated at the OEM assembly plant. |
| Cost Avoidance: | TBD | Transferable to Other Vehicles: | Yes it is a transferrable for future door module applications. |
| Benefits to Consumer: | |||
| Reduced interior noise, less labor and costs by eliminating vapor/noise barrier at assembly plant. | |||
| Method Comments: | |||
| N/A | |||
| Innovations/Improvements: | |||
| Robotic extruder | |||
| Safety Improvements: | |||
| N/A | |||
| Environmental Comments: | |||
| Typical DM Seals use a primer and a 2K PU seal-resulting in environmental emissions. The TPE seal is fully recyclable-100% of waste is directly recaptured as regrind in the process. Scrapped sealed carriers are reground for usage in other applications. | |||
| Additional Comments: | |||
| The robotic extruded TPE seal takes FIS one step further toward fully integrated door modules. | |||
| Summary: | |||
| This is the first time a TPE has been extruded directly onto a door module carrier, providing a 360o seal that acts as a water barrier between wet/dry sides, an acoustic barrier, and seals out dirt and dust. The seal is fully recyclable, simplifies assembly, is more robust than previous technology, and reduces material costs 53%, capital expenses 15%, seal mass 48%, and tack/cure time 90%. | |||
