Plastic Stiffening Panel Integrating Window Regulator for Vehicle Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle side doors face challenges in weight optimization, complexity, and assembly difficulty due to the use of metallic materials for window regulator systems, which affect consumption, pollution, and habitability.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle opening design incorporating a stiffening panel made of thermoplastic material with integrated window regulator system components, such as guide means, window lifting and lowering means, and control modules, which simplifies assembly and reduces weight by interposing the stiffening panel between the outer finishing panel and the window regulator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a metallic window regulator system is used in a traditional door structure, then the structural strength and reliability are ensured, but the vehicle weight increases and fuel consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the window regulator system with the door's stiffening panel structure. The regulator is integrated into the plastic stiffening panel rather than being a separate metal assembly, combining structural support and window operation functions into a single unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional metallic mechanical window regulator system with a plastic-based regulator system that uses a plastic arm, cable, and pulley assembly integrated into the plastic stiffening panel, substituting metal mechanical components with plastic alternatives.
2Device complexity
If a traditional metal door structure with separate window regulator system is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window regulator system components (arm, cable, pulley) are merged with the stiffening panel structure, eliminating separate mounting brackets and fasteners. The regulator arm is directly formed as part of the plastic panel, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic stiffening panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement to the door, acts as the mounting structure for the window regulator system, and integrates the regulator components into a unified assembly, eliminating the need for separate structural and regulatory elements.
3Productivity
If traditional metal components and separate assembly methods are used, then the structural strength is ensured, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window regulator system is pre-assembled into the plastic stiffening panel during panel manufacturing, with the regulator arm, cable, and pulley integrated into the molded structure. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, bolts, welds) are replaced with plastic integration techniques where the regulator components are formed as part of the molded plastic panel, eliminating the need for separate joining operations and reducing assembly complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a stiffening panel (12) for a motor vehicle door (10), in particular a motor vehicle side door. Said stiffening panel is arranged between a structure (100) of the door (10), said structure (100) being made especially of plastic, being located on the side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and being designed to absorb the majority of the external impacts on the door (10), in particular front and side impacts on the side door, and at least one decorative outer panel (11) which is made especially of plastic and is mounted on the structure (100). The stiffening panel (12) is made from a plastic material and is designed to stiffen the decorative outer panel (11) so as to enable the outer panel (11) to withstand external impacts on the door (10) from the opposite side of the passenger compartment. The stiffening panel (12) comprises mounting elements for a window lift system. The stiffening panel (12) is arranged between the decorative outer panel (11) and a window (13) that is supported by the window lift system mounted on the stiffening panel (12)..