Integrally Molded Thermoplastic Sliding Window Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle manufacturers seek a durable, cost-effective, and modular thermoplastic sliding window assembly that can be easily inserted into a vehicle body opening, as existing plastic materials are not as durable as glass and deteriorate quickly under weather and abrasive exposure, limiting design flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A modular sliding window assembly integrally molded from thermoplastic materials, including polycarbonate or modified acrylic, with a fixed vision panel, frame, and guide members, allowing for secure adhesion and smooth operation, and optionally featuring seals and aesthetic coatings for enhanced durability and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If plastic materials are used to replace glass for vehicle windows, then weight is reduced and design flexibility is improved, but durability and resistance to weather and abrasive exposure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (frame member, fixed vision panel, guide members, seals) into a single integrally molded thermoplastic assembly, creating a unified structure that maintains durability while achieving weight reduction and design flexibility. The integral molding ensures consistent material properties throughout the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermoplastic materials, particularly polycarbonate materials, which offer a composite-like performance combining the durability and impact resistance needed for vehicle windows with the weight reduction and design flexibility advantages of plastic materials.
2Reliability
If glass is used for vehicle windows, then durability and solar control properties are improved, but weight increases and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional glass to thermoplastic materials, particularly polycarbonate materials, which have different physical properties including lower density (weight reduction) while maintaining or improving durability and impact resistance. The material parameter change enables both weight reduction and design flexibility improvement.
3Weight of moving object
If thermoplastic materials are used for fixed vehicle windows, then weight is reduced and design flexibility is improved, but integration and secure positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame member, fixed vision panel, and guide members into a single integrally molded assembly, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying installation. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining secure positioning through the molded-in guide members that interface with the vehicle body opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular sliding window assembly (10) having at least a fixed vision panel (12), a frame member (14) , and at least one guide member (16) integrally molded from a thermoplastic material, preferably a polycarbonate material, such that the resulting window assembly (10) is suitable for installation as a modular unit in an opening in a vehicle body.