Sliding Window Actuator with Bowden Cable Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sliding window opening and closing devices for vehicles are cumbersome, requiring significant effort and are not ergonomic, making it difficult to move the window to intermediate positions without inclining logos or captions, and are not user-friendly in terms of directionality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Bowden cable-based mechanism with a circular knob or lever that allows smooth and agile movement of sliding windows by transmitting force efficiently, enabling the window to be moved in any direction and positioned easily between predefined positions without straining the user, while maintaining logo readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual opening device with vertical rods is used to lock and unlock the movable panel, then the window can be secured in intermediate positions, but the device requires significant user effort and is not ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Bowden cable as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual operation and the locking rods. The cable transmits force from a remotely operated actuator to the vertical rods, providing mechanical advantage and reducing the direct effort required by the user to move the heavy locking components while maintaining reliable engagement with the track seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation direction from direct vertical movement of the rods to a different dimensional approach using a Bowden cable system. The cable allows actuation through a different mechanical path, enabling the user to operate the device from a more ergonomic position while the cable translates this motion into the required rod movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manoeuvring body is a knob with logo, then branding is visible, but the logo becomes inclined and difficult to read when positioned at intermediate window positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the branding function from the operational function. The logo is placed on the stationary housing or frame rather than on the rotating or moving manoeuvring body. This segmentation allows the operational component to move freely for intermediate positioning while the branding remains fixed and readable on the stationary structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the logo on the moving part (manoeuvring body), the patent inverts the approach by placing the logo on the stationary housing. This inversion ensures that the branding remains upright and readable regardless of the window's position, while the manoeuvring body can rotate or move freely without compromising logo visibility.
3Reliability
If the rods are moved rigidly along the vertical direction to disengage from seats, then the window can be unlocked, but the movement is awkward and lacks ergonomic directionality
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable acts as a mediator that transforms the user's ergonomic hand motion into the required vertical movement of the locking rods. The cable system provides mechanical advantage and allows the user to operate the device in a more natural, ergonomic direction while the cable translates this motion into the vertical rod displacement needed for reliable engagement and disengagement.
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 provides a comfortable, ergonomic, and efficient way to open and close sliding windows, allowing for easy positioning at intermediate stages without effort, ensuring smooth operation and maintaining logo readability by using a Bowden cable to facilitate mechanical transmission and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of a Bowden cable-based mechanism with a circular knob or lever that allows smooth and agile movement of sliding windows by transmitting force efficiently
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises, in addition, at least one spring for each rod, which allows the return of the same to the rest position, when the desired opening position is reached
Data Source
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AI summary
An opening and closing device for windows of the sliding type comprises a manoeuvring body (5), at least one interference element (6), operable by the manoeuvring body (5) and movable between an extracted position locking the window, in which the interference element is away from the manoeuvring body (5), and a retracted release position of the window, in which the interference element juxtaposes the manoeuvring body (5), and at least one connecting element (9) adapted to transmit the movement from the manoeuvring body (5) to the interference element (6). The connecting element (9) comprises a flexible cable (10).