Frameless Window Pane Self-Adaptive Assembly via Elastic Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motor vehicle side doors with frameless windows and power window-regulator systems face challenges in achieving precise and efficient window positioning, leading to operational issues and weatherproofing problems during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The integration of elastically deformable members and blocking means allows for easy and precise window regulation, ensuring correct alignment and weatherproofing by initially positioning the window pane out of tolerance, which is then automatically adjusted to the correct position using a servo-assisted method and guide elements, facilitating fast and reliable assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual regulation method is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but positioning precision and assembly time are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow pane positioning precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable member is pre-configured to automatically push the window pane to the correct position when the blocking means releases, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the window pane's own closing motion to trigger the blocking means engagement, which then automatically activates the elastically deformable member to self-correct the pane position without external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional regulation methods are used, then device complexity is low, but weatherproofing reliability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweatherproofing reliabilityVSAvoidregulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable member acts as an intermediary between the window pane and the slider member, automatically compensating for positioning errors and ensuring reliable engagement with the door opening for proper weatherproofing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simpler elastic deformation-based automatic positioning system that achieves the same weatherproofing function with fewer components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning is achieved through manual adjustment, then positioning accuracy improves, but operator time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepane position accuracyVSAvoidassembly productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The window pane regulation system performs self-positioning through the interaction between the elastically deformable member and the blocking means, eliminating the need for operator intervention and significantly improving assembly productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the elastically deformable member from deformed to undeformed to automatically adjust the window pane position, achieving precise positioning without manual labor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables simple, fast, and precise window regulation, reducing operator time and ensuring reliable weatherproofing by automating the positioning process, thereby improving assembly efficiency and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

each of said elastically deformable members is in its undeformed condition and the pane is consequently kept in the aforesaid out-of-tolerance position... when the window pane reaches the aforesaid raised closing position, it moves automatically into the correct position with respect to the slider member or members, thanks to a simultaneous deformation of the aforesaid elastically deformable member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2447456B1Method for self-adaptive registration of the position of the window pane of a motor-vehicle door with frameless window, and motor-vehicle door provided for this method
Publication Date: 2014.01.15 FIAT GRP AUTOMOBILES
  • EP2447456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2447456B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2447456B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A

AI summary

A motor-vehicle door with frameless window comprises a door structure (20), a window pane (21), slidably mounted on the door structure (20) between a lowered position and a raised position, and a regulating device (5), for controlling movement of the pane (21). Connected to the pane (21) is at least one slider member (4), which slidably engages a respective guide element (3) mounted on the door structure (20). Operatively set between the slider member (4) and the pane (21) is an elastically deformable member (4). In its undeformed condition, said deformable member (9) tends to keep the pane (21) in an out-of-tolerance position, more raised and/or set further back with respect to its correct position of assembly on said slider member (4). Clamping means are provided for adjusting the position of the pane on the slider member (4) so as to compensate, during assembly, the deviation from the nominal design position due to the characteristic tolerances of the processes of production of the bodies and of the windows. Initially, said clamping means are released so that the elastically deformable member (9) keeps the pane in the aforesaid out-of-tolerance position. Starting from said condition, the regulating device (5) is activated until the pane is brought into contact with the edge of the motor-vehicle door opening or against a mock-up (15) of the edge of the door opening. In said raised closing position, the pane (21) moves automatically into the correct position with respect to the slider member (4) with simultaneous deformation of the aforesaid elastically deformable member (9), after which the aforesaid clamping means are activated to secure the pane in its correct position with respect to the slider member (4). Performing assembly on a specifically equipped bench it is possible to effect in precise" way compensation for the position in x, y, and z, through contrasts, which are self-adapted on-process on the basis of the geometrical measurements made on each body.