Vehicle Door Window Full Retraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional passenger vehicle door structures obstruct the view and limit the openable area due to fixed or non-retractable structures needed to accommodate window retraction, as they require load transfer mechanisms that occupy space at the door's ends, preventing the window from fully retracting and creating a discontinuous cut line between the vehicle body and the door panel.

Innovation Solution

The door structure includes a primary internal load transfer mechanism that allows the window to retract fully into the door cavity, with the window's edges aligning coextensively with the door's ends, eliminating the need for fixed structures and enabling a continuous cut line between the vehicle body and the door panel, thus providing an unobstructed view and increased openable area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional load transfer structures extend inboard across the door thickness to transfer loading to the vehicle body, then the structural strength and load transfer capability is improved, but the window cannot be retracted into the end volumes of the door cavity, requiring fixed structures that interrupt the view and limit the openable region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transfer capabilityVSAvoidopenable region

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The load transfer structure is repositioned from an inboard-extending configuration to an outboard-extending configuration that follows the contour of the vehicle body. This dimensional repositioning allows the window to retract into the end volumes of the door cavity while maintaining load transfer capability to the vehicle body through the outboard door panel and body structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The door structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to flex and deform under load, transferring forces to the vehicle body through the outboard panel and body structure. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for rigid fixed structures that would interrupt the view, while still providing adequate load transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed structures such as fixed window panels or opaque panels are placed to fill the gap between the window edge and vehicle body, then the structural continuity is improved, but the passenger's view outside the vehicle is interrupted or blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural continuityVSAvoidview obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outboard door panel is designed with a transparent or translucent portion that matches the visual characteristics of the window. This allows the panel to maintain structural continuity and provide the necessary cut line definition while remaining visually transparent, thus eliminating view obstruction while preserving structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Shape

If fixed structures are used to fill the gap between the visible door structure and vehicle body, then the cut line continuity is improved, but the openable region of the door is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecut line continuityVSAvoidopenable region

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The outboard door panel serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary cut line definition for structural continuity, acts as a load transfer path to the vehicle body, and remains transparent to maintain visual continuity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fixed structures that would limit the openable region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of stationary object

If the window is spaced apart from the end of the door when retracted, then the load transfer structure can occupy the door cavity volume, but a noticeable distance must be maintained between the window edge and door end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor cavity volumeVSAvoidwindow position

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the load transfer structure extend inboard and the window retract behind it, the design inverts this arrangement by having the load transfer structure extend outboard through the outboard panel while the window retracts into the end volumes of the door cavity. This inversion allows the window to achieve full retraction while the load transfer structure maintains its load transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10286761B1Passenger vehicle door and window

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 APPLE INC

AI summary

A passenger vehicle includes a body, a powertrain, a first door, and a second door. The body defines a passenger compartment having an opening. The powertrain propels the passenger vehicle on a public roadway. The first door is movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening. The first door includes a door structure, which defines a cavity, and a first window that is movable between a lowered position in the cavity and a raised position in which a forward edge thereof is substantially coextensive with a forward end of the cavity. The second door is movably coupled to the vehicle body to at least partially close the opening. The second door includes a second window having a second forward edge. The rearward edge of the first window at least one of engages the second forward edge or compresses a seal with the second forward edge.