Adjustable Window Regulator Lifter Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable window regulator lifter plate assemblies for convertibles face challenges such as requiring access from the exterior or bottom edge, necessitating apertures that detract from appearance and increase complexity, and needing large clearance for adjustability, which is difficult in frameless door assemblies.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable window regulator lifter plate assembly that allows cross-car orientation adjustment from the inboard side, with a cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism accessible from the inboard side, and additional mechanisms like height and fore/aft adjustments, all operable with minimal clearance, using a base and window holder that can move along a path and rotate, with a window fastener that maintains the window in a fixed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustment access is provided from the outboard side or bottom edge of the door, then the window regulator lifter plate assembly can be adjusted, but apertures must be created in the exterior sheet metal which detract from appearance and increase design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional adjustment access approach by moving the adjustment mechanism from the outboard side or bottom edge to the inboard side of the door assembly. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism is now accessible through the door panel interior without requiring apertures in the exterior sheet metal, thus eliminating the need for cosmetic covers while maintaining adjustment functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large clearance is provided for the adjustment mechanism to travel through its range of adjustability, then the full adjustment range can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to provide in the restrictive space of a frameless door assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact adjustment mechanism that achieves the full cross-car orientation adjustment range through a sophisticated linkage system that moves in multiple dimensions rather than requiring large linear clearance. The mechanism utilizes rotational and translational movements in different planes to accomplish the adjustment within the confined inboard space of the door assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the window regulator lifter plate assembly is made adjustable to accommodate variation in roof position and manufacturing tolerances, then each vehicle can be customized for proper sealing, but the adjustment mechanism adds complexity to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism as part of the window regulator lifter plate assembly itself, making the adjustment function universal to all vehicles of this type without requiring separate or additional complex mechanisms. The same mechanism that positions the window also provides cross-car orientation adjustment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment an adjustable window regulator lifter plate assembly is provided. The adjustable window regulator lifter plate assembly includes a base, a window holder and a cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism. The base is configured for movement along a path. The base has an inboard side and an outboard side. The window holder is configured to receive and hold a vehicle window. The window holder is movably connected to the base. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism is operable by a cross-car orientation adjustment tool and is operatively connected to the window holder to control the cross-car orientation of the window holder. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism includes a cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism tool-receiving member configured to receive the cross-car orientation adjustment tool. The cross-car orientation adjustment mechanism tool-receiving member is accessible from the inboard side of the base.