Slider Window Drive Assembly Using Guided Flexible Push-Pull Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear slider window assemblies for vehicles, such as pickup trucks, often require multiple panels and complex drive systems, which can lead to issues with flexibility and durability, particularly when the movable panel is pushed along the rails, causing flexing or bending of drive elements.
Innovation Solution
A rear slider window assembly utilizing a single flexible drive element, such as a cable or tape, that is guided by structured rails to prevent flexing, allowing the movable panel to be both pulled and pushed along the rails to open and close the window, with a drive system that includes a motor and guide structures to manage the movement effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional multi-panel slider window assembly is used, then the window can be opened and closed, but the drive system becomes complex and the drive elements are prone to flexing and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive elements into a single flexible drive element that serves both pulling and pushing functions. This single element is routed through guide structures (channels) in the rails to prevent flexing during pushing operations, thereby simplifying the drive system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structures (channels) act as intermediaries that constrain the flexible drive element during pushing operations. These channels prevent the drive element from flexing or bending when pushed against by the movable panel, allowing the single flexible element to reliably transmit push forces without deformation.
2Device complexity
If a single flexible drive element is used to pull and push the movable panel, then the drive system complexity is reduced, but the drive element may flex or bend when pushing the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different sections of the drive system. The flexible drive element is flexible where needed (to allow coiling and bidirectional movement) but constrained within rigid guide structures (channels) where pushing forces are applied, preventing flexing only in the critical pushing zones while maintaining flexibility elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structures serve as intermediaries between the flexible drive element and the movable panel during pushing operations. These structures transmit the pushing force while preventing the drive element from flexing, allowing the flexible element to maintain its simplicity while achieving operational stability.
3Volume of moving object
If the flexible drive element is allowed to coil or spool, then the drive system is more compact, but the element may bend or flex during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive element's operational path into distinct zones: a coiling/spooling zone where the element is stored compactly, and guided zones where the element is constrained within channels to prevent flexing during pulling and pushing operations. This segmentation allows the element to be compact while maintaining stability during active use.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular slider window assembly includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, a fixed window panel, and a movable window panel that is movable along the rails between an opened position and a closed position. A drive system is operable to move the movable window panel between the opened position and the closed position. The drive system includes a single flexible drive element that, when the drive system is actuated to move the window panel in one direction, the flexible drive element pulls the movable window panel along the rails, and when the drive system is actuated to move the window panel in the opposite direction, the flexible drive element pushes the movable window panel along the rails. The lower rail includes guide structure that limits flexing of the flexible drive element when the flexible drive element pushes the movable window panel along the rails.