Vehicle Window Panel with Counterweight Balance Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tour buses have small, fixed windows that cannot be opened, limiting the sightseeing experience for passengers.
Innovation Solution
Designing a window system with large, moveable panels that can be easily opened and closed using a combination of pulley systems and biasing mechanisms, allowing for a tiered configuration to provide unobstructed views and a mechanical advantage for ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If windows are made large and moveable to enhance viewing capabilities, then passenger viewing experience is improved, but window operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a balance assembly with counterweight members that offset the weight of large window panels, enabling easy opening and closing operation. The counterweight mechanism provides mechanical advantage to control the movement of oversized windows without requiring excessive force from operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The window system transitions from fixed to moveable panels with controlled motion. The balance assembly enables dynamic operation of large windows through regulated movement along tracks, allowing windows to be opened and closed smoothly despite their size and weight.
2Ease of operation
If windows are made moveable to allow opening and closing, then passenger comfort and climate control are improved, but reliability of window positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The balance assembly is pre-configured with spring members and counterweight members that automatically engage with latching mechanisms at predetermined positions. This preliminary setup ensures reliable positioning when windows reach fully open or fully closed states without requiring additional manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The window system incorporates self-latching mechanisms that automatically secure windows at extreme positions. The balance assembly works with latches to automatically hold windows in place at fully open or closed positions, providing reliable positioning without continuous manual control.
3Ease of operation
If a balance assembly with multiple components is used to enable easy operation of large windows, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance assembly integrates multiple functions into a unified mechanism. Counterweight members, spring members, and latching components are combined into a single balanced system that works together to enable easy window operation, reducing the need for separate mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance assembly serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it supports the weight of large windows, provides controlled movement along tracks, enables easy opening and closing operation, and ensures reliable positioning at extreme positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.
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 solution provides passengers with enhanced viewing capabilities and a comfortable sightseeing experience by allowing windows to be easily opened and closed, ensuring all occupants have clear views of the outside surroundings, including laterally and forward, while also providing climate control through architectural reflective coatings.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member, such as a spring, that biases the window panel toward the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a first pulley system associated with the resilient member and a second pulley system associated with the lock member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a window, comprising a window panel that has a glass. The window panel is latched at the first latching position when the window panel is at a fully closed position, and is latched at the second latching position when the window panel is at a fully open position.