Pivoting Sliding Window Frame for Flush Vehicle Body Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle windows often have a geometric offset when closed, resulting in a non-flush fit with the vehicle body, which can lead to aesthetic and functional issues such as water intrusion and reduced airflow.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly with a support system featuring a pivotally connected window frame that allows the window to pivot and slide, ensuring a flush fit with the vehicle body by moving into the door interior, and an actuator system for controlled movement between closed and open positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window is designed to move from closed to open position by lowering into the door, then the window can be fully open or closed for optimal airflow, but a geometric offset occurs when closed resulting in non-flush fit with the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The window frame is divided into two separate frame portions: a first frame portion connected to the window and a second frame portion connected to the support. This segmentation allows independent movement of each portion, enabling the window to pivot for opening/closing while the second frame portion remains positioned to maintain flush fit with the vehicle body when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the first and second frame portions is made pivotal rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the window's angular orientation. This dynamic pivot joint enables the window to achieve both the open position for airflow and the closed position for flush fit, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and aesthetic shape.
2Shape
If the window frame is rigidly connected to maintain flush fit, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the window cannot pivot freely for complete opening
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the window frame into two portions with a pivot connection, the system allows the first frame portion to rotate with the window for complete opening while the second frame portion remains stationary to maintain flush fit with the vehicle body, thus achieving both aesthetic appearance and full opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection acts as an intermediary between the first and second frame portions, mediating between the need for rigid positioning (for flush fit) and the need for rotational freedom (for complete opening). This intermediary pivot joint allows controlled movement while maintaining structural connection.
3Shape
If the window frame includes multiple moving components for pivoting and sliding, then complete opening and flush fit are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection and sliding support functions are merged into an integrated window frame structure where the first and second frame portions work together as a unified system. This merging reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms while achieving both flush fit and complete opening functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second frame portion serves multiple functions: it provides the sliding support for the window's vertical movement, maintains the flush fit with the vehicle body, and acts as a stable base for the pivotal connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A window assembly includes a support and a window frame having a first frame portion pivotally connected to a second frame portion. The second frame portion is connected to the support for movement with respect to the support. A window is connected to the first frame portion of the window frame. The window is movable between a closed position and an open position by pivoting of the window and the first frame portion of the window frame with respect to the second frame portion of the window frame and by relative sliding motion of the second frame portion of the window frame along the support.