Flush Sliding Window Handle Mechanism for Lock-and-Slide Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive window glazing systems fail to provide a simple, ergonomic, and secure mechanism for opening and closing that ensures the movable glazing aligns flush with the fixed panel, is lockable from inside, and allows for partial opening positions, often requiring complex mechanisms or additional movements.
Innovation Solution
A handle mechanism integrated with the glazing operates in stages to unlock and slide the movable glazing, using an eccentric joint and a rotating rod mechanism to control both locking and unlocking, with a single ergonomic motion, ensuring secure closure and partial opening positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is used independent of the sliding mechanism, then the locking function is reliable, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes less ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and sliding mechanism into a single integrated system. The handle mechanism, when actuated, simultaneously controls both the locking/unlocking of the glazing and its sliding movement through a unified mechanical arrangement, eliminating the need for separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the locking control and the sliding actuator. A single handle operation triggers a sequence of mechanical actions that first unlock the glazing and then enable its sliding movement, making one component serve multiple purposes.
2Ease of operation
If a single handle operation controls both locking and sliding, then the ease of operation improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mechanism is divided into distinct functional stages: an initial movement phase that triggers the locking/unlocking action, and a prolonged movement phase that enables sliding. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through a simple, intuitive single-handed operation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed so that the initial movement of the handle performs the preliminary action of unlocking the glazing, preparing it for sliding. This preliminary unlocking action must occur before the sliding movement can begin, creating a logical sequence within a single continuous handle operation.
3Ease of operation
If the glazing is allowed to move freely from closed to open position, then the ease of operation improves, but the ability to maintain partial opening positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide assembly with eccentric joints and tracks provides automatic positioning and friction-based holding of the glazing at various positions along its sliding path. The mechanism self-regulates to maintain partial opening positions through the inherent friction characteristics of the eccentric joint engagement with the track, without requiring additional active locking components.
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 simplified, ergonomic, and secure operation for opening and closing automotive windows, ensuring flush alignment and secure closure while allowing partial opening positions, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a guide assembly comprising, on the one hand, eccentric joints that rotate freely and are fixed to the movable glazing
Implementation Method 2
although this position is only maintained relatively, relying on the friction of certain elements of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for opening and closing a sliding window (3) of a motor vehicle, said sliding window being movable relative to a fixed panel (2), from a closed position in which the moving window is positioned "flush" with the fixed panel (2), to an open position in which the moving window (3) is moved parallel to the fixed panel, the device comprising an assembly controlled from a handle mechanism (9) supported by the edge (7) of a frame (4) secured to the moving window (3), such that starting from the closed position, actuating the handle a first time releases the locking of the movable window then, secondly, brings it out of its closed position, the edge of the window corresponding to the edge (7) of the frame (4) being moved relative to the fixed panel, to the position allowing sliding of the movable panel.