Vehicle Sliding Shutter Synchronization for Freeze-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bay closure devices in vehicles face issues with ease of operation, especially in frost conditions, where the seal may become stuck, requiring excessive effort to open and risking damage to the seal or window mechanisms, and there is a need for a solution that avoids friction and damage between the movable panel and sealing means while maintaining a flush aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a shutter device with guide rails and shuttles that include synchronization elements and a play compensation spring, allowing for smooth and synchronized movement of the movable panel between closed and open positions, with a retaining spring to prevent manual closure attempts and a play take-up spring to absorb cable tension and motor jerks, ensuring easy and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal remains attached to the fixed pane in freezing conditions, then sealing effectiveness is maintained, but excessive effort is required to open the window and damage may occur to the seal or window opening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to detach progressively before the window reaches the fully open position, preventing sudden release and excessive force requirements. The guide rail geometry and seal engagement are configured so that detachment occurs gradually during the opening stroke, preparing the system for smooth completion of the opening action.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal attachment characteristics change dynamically during the opening process. The seal transitions from a firmly attached state during normal operation to a progressively detaching state during opening, allowing the system to adapt to different operational phases and reduce the force needed to overcome frozen adhesion.
2Device complexity
If the movable panel moves with all four corners moving simultaneously, then the structure remains simple, but friction and damage risk increase between the seal and window opening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The opening motion is segmented into distinct phases: first the lower corners detach and move, then the upper corners follow. This sequential movement is achieved through the guide rail geometry that provides different engagement characteristics for different parts of the window frame, reducing simultaneous friction points and preventing seal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The window opening process is divided into periodic stages with different movement characteristics. The first phase involves lower corner detachment and initial movement, followed by a second phase where upper corners detach and complete the opening. This periodic action pattern reduces peak friction forces and prevents concentrated stress on the seal.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the ease and reliability of opening and closing the bay by minimizing friction and effort, preventing damage, and maintaining the flush appearance, while optimizing the coordinated movement of the shuttles and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a play take-up spring to absorb cable tension and motor jerks
Implementation Method 2
the sealing gasket may remain stuck to the fixed pane, requiring excessive effort to open the pane
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
A shutter device (1) comprising a sliding movable panel (12) guided along two guide rails (114, 115) between a closed position and an open position. According to a first embodiment, one end of a synchronizing element (41, 42) is connected to the frame (121) of the sliding panel (12) by means of a retaining spring (51) for the sliding panel (12) in the open position, the other ends being connected to one of the shuttles. According to a second embodiment, each end of the synchronizing elements (41, 42) is connected to one of the shuttles (2, 3), one end of one of the synchronizing elements (41, 42) being connected to the shuttle (3) which is connected to actuation means (13) by means of energizing (52) the synchronizing elements (41, 42).