Vehicle Window Run Slide Insert Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing run slide assembly for vehicle windows is complex due to fragile indexing studs located behind the slide, making installation difficult, and requires additional machining for test patterns that wear out and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
An insert for the run slide with one-piece indexing means, including a protruding pin for axis X alignment and complementary shapes for axis Z alignment, along with a shelf and plate for precise positioning and a test pattern free of overmolded material for easier assembly and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fragile indexing stud is used behind the run slide, then indexing precision is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional indexing stud design by moving the protruding indexing element from the hidden rear position to the visible front position on the run slide. This allows the indexing pin to engage with a corresponding recess in the door frame from the front, making the indexing mechanism visible and accessible during installation while maintaining precise positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a complementary indexing recess in the door frame as an intermediary element that works with the protruding pin on the run slide. This paired indexing system (protruding pin + recess) provides precise positioning while allowing visual verification and easier installation compared to the hidden stud approach.
2Measurement precision
If test patterns are integrated into the moulded wedge, then dimensional inspection is enabled, but additional machining cost and mould wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test pattern from the moulded wedge material and relocates it to the insert itself. The test pattern is now formed directly on the insert surface during insert manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional machining of the mould cavity and removing the source of mould wear while preserving laser inspection capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple indexing elements are provided for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indexing functions into a single integrated insert component. The insert simultaneously provides the protruding pin for X-axis indexing, the complementary shapes for Z-axis indexing, and the test pattern for inspection, all in one piece. This consolidation achieves precise multi-axis positioning without the complexity of multiple separate indexing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for a run slide for a vehicle window. The insert may be overmoulded to form a connecting wedge between two strands of the run slide. The insert may be formed in one piece and is configured to cooperate with a portion of a vehicle door frame. The insert is further configured to cooperate with a portion of a hubcap to be attached to one of the strands. The insert includes a protruding pin configured to be engaged in a recess of a rabbet of the vehicle door frame to index the insert along an axis X substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of the rabbet. The insert is configured to cooperate with the portion of the hubcap to ensure indexing the hubcap along the axis X and along an axis Z perpendicular to X and substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of the hubcap.