Window Lift Device One-Piece Protective Screen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Window lift devices in motor vehicles are prone to water splashes and freezing issues in wet zones, leading to potential short circuits and operational failures, especially during washing or extreme cold conditions, and existing protective solutions are complex, cumbersome, and costly.

Innovation Solution

A window lifter device with an electric motor and drum housed between a rigid plastic support plate and the liner, featuring a one-piece protective screen that overhangs the motor and drum, and an integrated guide rail, made from 30% polybutylene terephthalate, to shield them from water runoff.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an additional protective screen is added to protect the electric motor and drum from water, then the protection against water splashes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against water splashesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective screen is merged with the guide rail to form a single integrated component. The guide rail serves dual functions: guiding the slider and protecting the electric motor and drum from water splashes through its L-shaped configuration with a vertical protective portion and a horizontal guiding portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical guide for the slider and as a protective barrier against water. The L-shaped structure provides both guiding functionality and protective shielding, eliminating the need for a separate protective screen.

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

2Reliability

If a separate protective screen is added, then the protection against water is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against water splashesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is combined with the guide rail structure, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the protective screen is made separate from the guide rail, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective screen and guide rail are merged into a single monolithic component, which simplifies assembly while maintaining adaptability. The integrated design allows for straightforward installation as one unit, reducing assembly steps while providing the necessary protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3504076B1Window lifting device for an opening panel of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3504076B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504076B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an opening panel of a motor vehicle equipped with an improved window lift device. According to the invention, the window lift device (7) comprises a support plate (13) for an electric motor (8) and of a drum (12) of this device and which is made of a rigid plastic material comprising a protective screen (17) made as one piece with the support plate (13) and overhanging the electric motor (8) and the drum (12) to protect them from water that is likely to drip over them. The invention is suitable for use in the automotive industry.