Flush Vehicle Window Module With Guide-Locking Trim Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 'flush' window technologies for vehicles are complex and expensive to implement and install, making them impractical for widespread use in standard vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A window module design featuring a fixed and movable window with an elongated guide and upright, where a trim element with retaining members is used to secure the guide in a housing, allowing for simplified mounting and alignment of the windows, ensuring both positioning and locking of the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If current flush window technologies are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the complexity and cost of implementation and installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is divided into separate components: a fixed window, a movable window, a guide, an upright, and a trim element. Each component can be manufactured and prepared independently, then assembled in a simplified sequence. The guide is attached to the movable window, the upright to the fixed window, and finally the trim element is mounted to complete the assembly, reducing overall mounting complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is pre-attached to the movable window and the upright is pre-attached to the fixed window before final assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the windows to be positioned and aligned correctly during installation, simplifying the mounting process while maintaining the flush appearance.
2Shape
If current flush window technologies are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the cost of implementation and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the assembly into standardized components (guide, upright, trim element), each part can be manufactured using efficient, cost-effective processes. The modular design allows for economies of scale and simplified production tooling, reducing overall manufacturing costs while achieving the desired flush appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim element incorporates retaining members that automatically engage with the guide, creating a self-locking mechanism. This self-service feature eliminates the need for additional fasteners, adhesives, or complex assembly tools, reducing both manufacturing complexity and installation costs while maintaining the aesthetic flush appearance.
3Ease of operation
If the trim element is mounted before the guide is engaged, then the retaining member interferes with mounting, but if mounted after, then the positioning and locking is ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is engaged with the upright and positioned correctly before the trim element is mounted. This preliminary engagement ensures proper alignment and positioning of the movable window relative to the fixed window. Only after this positioning is established is the trim element installed to provide the final locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting process is segmented into distinct stages: first engaging the guide with the upright to establish positioning, then mounting the trim element to provide locking. This segmentation of the assembly process allows each function (positioning and locking) to be performed separately and reliably, without interference between operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A window module (60) for a vehicle, in particular automobile, comprising:a fixed window (22) comprising an internal face (22c) and an external face (22d),a movable window (14) comprising an internal face (14c) and an external face (14d), edges (14b, 22a) of the windows facing one another and defining a clearance (J) between them, and the external faces (14d, 22d) of the windows being substantially aligned,an elongated guide (26) extending along said edges and attached to the internal face (14c) of the movable window (14),an elongated upright (62) extending along said edges and attached to the internal face (22c) of the fixed window (22), anda trim element (70) fitted and attached to the upright, this trim element comprising at least one member (72) for retaining the guide in a housing (L) of the upright.