Sliding Window Pane Carrier Clip Connection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding windows for mobile work machines, such as industrial trucks, are complex to install and adjust due to the large number of individual parts required for the pane carrier and guide rail connection.

Innovation Solution

A sliding window design featuring a clip connection between an elastically deformable plastic pane carrier and guide rail, allowing for tool-free assembly and adjustment, with a circular ring segment cross-section for secure attachment and a stiffening/adjusting element to set the required force for movement, minimizing parts and assembly steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pane carrier with multiple individual parts is used to connect the pane to the guide rail, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and adjustment become very complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual parts into a single integrated pane carrier component. The pane carrier is formed as one piece that includes the connection elements for both the pane and the guide rail, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and guide elements. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining secure connection through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pane carrier is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a mounting element for the pane, a guide element for the guide rail, and a fastening mechanism. The single component performs multiple functions that previously required separate parts, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring reliable connection and guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used for the pane carrier and guide rail, then the connection is secure, but the installation requires many tools and steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening securityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, multiple fasteners) with a snap-fit or elastic deformation-based mounting mechanism. The pane carrier is designed to be elastically deformed during installation to engage with the guide rail, eliminating the need for tools and complex fastening operations while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pane carrier is designed to be self-mounting through elastic deformation. The component deforms elastically during installation to engage with the guide rail and automatically secures itself without requiring external tools or additional fastening steps. The elastic material allows for easy installation and removal while maintaining reliable connection during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the pane carrier is firmly connected to the pane, then the connection is stable, but the adjustment and detachment become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs elastic deformation to create a dynamic connection between the pane carrier and the pane. The elastic material allows the connection to be firm during normal operation (providing stability) while enabling easy adjustment and detachment by applying force to overcome the elastic retention. The connection transitions from a rigid permanent fastener to a controllable elastic engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The design simplifies assembly and adjustment, ensuring secure fastening and easy operation of the sliding window with reduced complexity and manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining precise dimensional accuracy and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the pane carrier being made of an elastically deformable plastic. Clipping is an assembly process that requires no tools. During clipping, the disc carrier is elastically deformed, the disc carrier returning to its original shape when finally assembled.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1782978B1Sliding window for a mobile working machine
Publication Date: 2009.04.01 FAHRZEUGBAU GEISA
  • EP1782978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1782978B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The window has a guide rail (5) that is fastened to a door or to a body component, and a plate carrier (4) that is attached to a plate (2). The plate carrier is clipped to the guide rail such that the carrier is movable along the guide rail. The plate carrier is made of plastic and the guide rail is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The guide rail has a guide section (5a) with a circular cross section, and the plate carrier has a guide section (4b) with a cross section of a circular ring segment. A lateral opening of the segment is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross section. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a plate carrier for use in a sliding window (2) a guide bar for use in a sliding window.