Vehicle Window Guide and Stabilizer for Flush Panel Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle window designs often result in windows being inset relative to body panels, limiting their motion to linear translation or constant radius arcs, which restricts complex shapes and motion, and lack effective stabilization in the open position.
Innovation Solution
The use of bracket assemblies and guide structures that allow complex motion of windows, combined with a stabilizer connected to the door that engages the window surface when open, enabling flush positioning with surrounding surfaces and maintaining window stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional linear translation or constant radius arc motion is used for windows, then the window mechanism is simple, but the window shape and motion are restricted and cannot achieve complex shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The window mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: bracket assemblies attached to the window, guide structures attached to the door, and stabilizer assemblies. Each component performs a specific function, allowing complex motion through coordination of simpler individual parts rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structures provide multi-dimensional guidance constraints that enable the window to follow complex motion paths beyond simple linear or arc trajectories. The combination of multiple guide structures creates a multi-constraint system that defines sophisticated three-dimensional motion trajectories
2Ease of operation
If the window is designed to move between closed and open positions, then the window provides ventilation and access, but the window lacks stabilization in the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer assemblies are pre-positioned within the door structure at locations that correspond to the window's open position. When the window reaches the open position, the stabilizers automatically engage with the window or its brackets, providing immediate stabilization without requiring additional active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the window's position. The stabilizers self-activate when the window reaches the open position and self-deactivate when the window is closed, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional complexity
3Shape
If the window is inset relative to body panels, then the window fits within the door structure, but the window cannot be flush with surrounding surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The window mechanism transitions from a static inset position to a dynamic system that can achieve multiple positions including flush alignment with the door surface. The bracket and guide structure system enables the window to move between inset, flush, and open positions, adapting its position based on operational requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A first portion and a second portion cooperate to define an opening. Guide structures are in engagement with bracket assemblies so that the bracket assemblies are movable with respect to the guide structures to allow movement of a panel between a closed position and an open position. A stabilizer engages the panel in the open position. In some implementations, the panel may be flush relative to the first portion and/or the second portion in the closed position.