Sliding Panel Drive Mechanism for Quiet Flush Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered sliding window regulators for vehicles are noisy and costly due to their complex designs with many parts, and they do not achieve smooth, flush-flush closure efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A powered sliding drive assembly with a frame, guide pins, and cables where the cable is in the plane of the sliding panel, using washers and pins to provide smooth and quiet movement, reducing the number of parts and complexity, allowing for direct and efficient operation with minimal noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional window regulator with cable, carrier block, and engagement stud is used, then the sliding panel can be powered, but the operation becomes noisy and the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable attachment and sliding panel connection into a single integrated system. The cable is directly attached to the sliding panel frame, eliminating the need for separate carrier blocks and engagement studs. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while maintaining powered sliding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding panel frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the sliding motion through guide pins, and directly receives cable tension for powered operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that perform these individual functions in traditional designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If guide pins and tracks are used to achieve flush-flush closure, then the sliding panel can be positioned precisely, but the movement resistance and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies guide pins only at specific locations (bottom portion of the sliding panel) rather than along the entire perimeter. This localized guidance provides sufficient positioning for flush-flush closure while minimizing contact points that generate friction and noise during sliding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the track to push or guide the panel from the sides, the cable pulls the panel horizontally in the plane of the panel itself. This inverted approach to force application reduces lateral friction and noise while achieving the same positioning result.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for cable attachment and panel connection, then the connection can be secure, but the material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable attachment is merged directly with the sliding panel frame structure. The cable connects to the frame at the bottom corner, which also serves as the attachment point for guide pins. This consolidation of attachment functions reduces the number of separate components needed for secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding panel frame itself provides the attachment structure for the cable through its existing corners and edges. The frame's geometry is utilized to create attachment points without requiring additional brackets, mounts, or reinforcement structures, thereby reducing material costs while maintaining connection security.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered sliding drive assembly is provided with a sliding panel having a frame member on its periphery and guide pins that are on the bottom of the sliding panel. The pins may have a washer and/or a collar disposed on them. The washers provide quiet movement of the sliding pane. The sliding panel defines a plane. The assembly further has two or more cables, each of which is separately attached on one end to opposite sides of the frame member, pins, washers, and/or collars, where each of these ends of the cables is in the plane of the sliding panel. Each cable is attached on another end to opposite sides of a drive unit. The pins of the sliding panel are positioned in tracks, whereby the sliding panel can be located in a flush-flush position with a fixed panel and a vehicle body panel.