Frameless Window Rail Pivoting Mechanism for Precision Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In frameless motor vehicle doors, particularly in convertible coupes, the position of movable windows is challenging to maintain accurately due to twisting of guide rails under tightening torque, affecting the window's operation and aesthetic alignment with adjacent panes.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a template for geometric reference positioning, adjustable connections, and a pivoting mechanism allows the lower rail to pivot freely, ensuring the window's upper edge is maintained in the desired position, and the lower edge is securely fixed without further adjustments, preventing deformation and ensuring proper alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the lower part of the rail is fixed rigidly to prevent movement, then the window position can be controlled accurately, but the rail cannot adapt to position adjustments without causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow position precisionVSAvoidrail adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rail is designed with a dynamic lower connection that allows pivoting movement during the adjustment phase. The lower part can rotate around a pivot axis, enabling the rail to adapt its position dynamically. Once adjustment is complete, the rail is fixed in its final position, achieving both adaptability during installation and precision in the final configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If tightening torque is applied to fix the rail, then the rail is securely fixed, but the rail twists and deforms under the torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidwindow position precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment and positioning of the window is performed before the final tightening of the rail. The template guides the correct position to be established in advance, and only after the window is properly positioned does the technician tighten the lower connection. This preliminary positioning action prevents deformation because the window is already in its correct position when the fixing torque is applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A template serves as an intermediary tool during the installation process. The template maintains the window in the desired geometric position and guides the alignment before fixing. This intermediary device ensures that the window position is precisely controlled independently of the tightening process, allowing the rail to be secured without compromising position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the rail is made adjustable to accommodate position changes, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail adjustabilityVSAvoidmounting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail connection is segmented into two distinct parts: an upper fixed connection that provides stable support, and a lower adjustable connection that enables position adaptation. This segmentation allows the rail to have both stability and adjustability without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire structure. The lower connection includes a pivot mechanism and elongated hole that provide adjustability in a simple, localized manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures precise positioning and secure fixing of the movable window, preventing deformation and ensuring correct operation, sealing, and aesthetic alignment with adjacent panes, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and maintaining the window's position without torque-induced modifications.

Implementation Method 1

fixed at its upper part to a first fixed part of the door by a pivoting connection following a axis X substantially perpendicular to said rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a template comprising means for placing it in a predetermined geometric reference position relative to the door, means for maintaining the upper edge of the window in the position desired geometric ion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric reference positioning: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

means for applying the lower edge of the window to the slider of said rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2206618B1Device for installing and adjusting a mobile window in an automobile door, without a frame
Publication Date: 2011.04.27 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2206618B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2206618B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8

AI summary

Device for mounting and adjusting a movable window (2) in a door (1) of a motor vehicle, said door (1) being frameless and being equipped with a front rail and a rear rail (6) each having a slider (7) to support the window (2) and being able to move on the corresponding rail, between a lower position and a higher position, at least one (6) of the rails being fixed at its upper part to a first fixed part (8) of the door (1) by a pivoting joint about an axis (X) substantially perpendicular to said rail and at its lower part to a second fixed part (10) of the door, by a joint adjustable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rail (6) and to the axis (X) of the pivoting joint, said device being characterized in that it comprises a template (12) having means for placing it in a predetermined geometric reference position relative to the door (1),means for maintaining the upper edge (2a) of the glass (2) in the desired geometric position and means for applying the lower edge of the glass to the slider (7) of said rail, in the fixing position of this glass (2) to said slider, the lower part of the rail (6) being in this position, free to move by pivoting around said axis (X) relative to said second fixed part (10), before fixing the lower part of the rail to this second fixed part (10).