Vehicle Flush Closure Shuttle Locking Against Panel Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush window closure devices in vehicles are prone to inadvertent movements of the movable panel relative to the shuttles, especially when forces are applied perpendically to the sliding plane, which can lead to operational issues and integrity problems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed technique involves a shuttle with means for blocking pins in grooves, preventing inadvertent movements of the movable panel by locking the pin in place when the panel is in the open position, using a flexible blade and stop configuration that allows deformation to enable disengagement during transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the movable panel is allowed to slide freely on the rails without blocking means, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent movements when forces are applied perpendicular to the sliding plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a blocking means that changes the operational parameters of the movable panel. The blocking means engages with the pin to prevent movement in directions other than the intended sliding direction, while allowing free movement along the sliding plane. This selective constraint maintains ease of operation in the intended direction while preventing inadvertent movements that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means acts as an intermediary element between the movable panel and the guide rails. It mediates the interaction by allowing the pin to slide freely along the groove during normal operation, then engaging to prevent perpendicular movements when forces are applied. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing conditional constraints rather than complete freedom or complete restriction.
2Reliability
If blocking means are added to prevent inadvertent movements, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is merged with the existing shuttle structure that already guides the movable panel along the rails. The blocking means integrates the pin and groove mechanism that is already present in the system, adding reliability functionality without requiring completely separate components. This merging approach improves reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means serves multiple functions: it guides the movable panel along the sliding plane, prevents inadvertent perpendicular movements, and allows easy engagement and disengagement during normal operation. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single mechanism accomplishes multiple protective and operational tasks.
3Reliability
If a rigid blocking structure is used to prevent movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means employs parameter changes by using a flexible or movable blocking element rather than a completely rigid structure. The pin and groove configuration allows for controlled movement and engagement, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while still preventing inadvertent movements. This approach maintains reliability through functional design rather than relying solely on rigid precision manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means incorporates flexible elements in the form of the pin-groove interaction, where the groove can accommodate slight variations in pin position while still providing effective blocking when needed. This flexibility in the blocking mechanism reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to a completely rigid blocking structure, while maintaining the reliability function of preventing inadvertent movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for closing off an opening, comprising a stationary portion (11) in which an opening is defined, and at least one movable panel (12) sliding along two rails (114, 115) mounted on one face of the stationary panel (11), between a closure position, closing off the opening, in a closure plane defined by the stationary panel (11) and at least one opening position, in a sliding plane, substantially parallel to the closure plane, each of the rails (114, 115) carrying at least one shuttle (2) movable in translation in the rail (114, 115) and ensuring passage of the movable panel (12) from the closure position into the sliding position, and vice-versa, using at least one groove (22, 23) guiding a pin (124, 125) secured to the movable panel (12), and slidable movement of the movable panel (12) in the closure plane to place the movable panel in an open position. According to the invention, the shuttle (2) comprises means for blocking at least one of the pins in the corresponding groove, in a blocking position, when the movable panel is in the open position so as to oppose an inadvertent movement of the movable panel relative to the shuttle according to a direction perpendicular to the sliding plane.