Program: Quarter Glass Vent Window Engineering
Vehicle Platform: Battery Electric SUV — 3rd Row
Component Area: Quarter Glass Mechanism, Glass, Seals, and Plastic Cover
Program Phase Supported: Concept development through prototype build
Overview
This program involved engineering a third-row quarter glass vent window for a battery electric SUV platform. The quarter glass was designed as a vent-opening window to provide passive ventilation for third-row passengers. Unlike benchmark vehicles where internal mechanisms are concealed by interior trim and BIW structures, this platform's design caused both the glass and outer seal to move during opening thereby unintentionally exposing internal plastics, wiring, and structural components to external view.
Goken supported the full development of a two-plane packaging solution that resolved the aesthetic exposure problem within the existing vehicle architecture. This engagement ran from concept development through prototype build, encompassing system architecture, kinematic validation, packaging , and cross-functional coordination.
Engineering Challenge
Two constraints defined the scope of this program.
Aesthetic Exposure Risk Opening the vent glass revealed internal components not intended for external visibility, directly impacting perceived quality and the vehicle's premium market positioning. Quarter glass vent windows are a benchmark-driven feature in this vehicle's competitive set. Removing or poorly executing the feature was not an acceptable outcome.
Late-Phase Design Change The program initially progressed with a fixed quarter glass. The decision to reintroduce an opening vent window came late in the design phase, after surrounding BIW and interior architectures had already been released. This left no flexibility to modify adjacent structures and placed pressure on engineering to deliver a functionally robust and cost-controlled design entirely within the existing vehicle constraints.
Scope and Approach
Dual-Plane Architecture Development Rather than modifying surrounding BIW or interior structures, the team developed a pragmatic, add-on solution within the fixed architecture already released. The two-plane concept used the moving glass and seal as the primary plane, with a fixed plastic cover as the secondary plane to conceal internal components whenever the glass was in the open position. This allowed the vent-opening functionality to be retained without rework to major BIW or interior structures.
Kinematic Validation Kinematic analysis validated the opening motion and confirmed required clearances across the full operating range. Hinge geometry, opening angles, and operating forces were calculated to verify structural compliance and confirm the plastic cover remained in a concealing position throughout the complete motion envelope.
Packaging Studies and Integration Detailed packaging studies resolved the complete system including mechanism, glass, seals, and plastic cover. Integration with BIW, roof, and interior systems was assessed to prevent late-program conflicts at prototype build.
Cross-Functional Coordination The program required coordination across rear fascia and tailgate design, electrical systems, water flow and drainage, and environmental performance teams. The full scope of this cross-functional interface was managed through a single dedicated engineering resource, providing one consistent point of ownership for all interfacing teams throughout the program.
Outcome
The program delivered a production-feasible quarter glass vent window system compatible with the vehicle platform and fully integrated within the existing released architecture. Key results:
Aesthetic exposure resolved without structural rework to BIW or interior systems
Quarter glass vent feature retained on the production vehicle, a benchmark-critical element for this competitive segment
System developed and validated through prototype build readiness within the compressed program timeline
Scope extended post-DVP into supplier coordination, providing continuity through production launch preparation
Capabilities Demonstrated
Mechanical and plastic component design for automotive glazing systems
Design-led packaging studies under late-phase, constrained program conditions
Kinematic validation of opening motion, hinge geometry, and operating forces
Cross-functional coordination across body, interior, electrical, and roof systems
Program continuity through timeline disruptions and scope expansion, delivered through Goken's mobility industry engineering practice
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