Window Lifter Adapter Design for Stable Driver Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window lifter assemblies face challenges in maintaining a stable and cost-effective connection between the window pane and driver element, particularly in plastic window panes, with issues of relative movement and high manufacturing costs due to the need for strong and expensive materials like polyamide for the driver element.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is integrally molded to the window pane, forming a supporting structure that extends transversely and is at least twice as large as the driver element, providing a stable connection and improved loadability, while also allowing for the use of less expensive materials and simplifying assembly. Additionally, a two-stage latching connection between the driver element and sliding element allows for secure positioning and reduced relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the driver element is made of expensive polyamide to withstand operational loads, then the strength and loadability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional parts: a sliding element made of inexpensive polyoxymethylene for low-friction movement, and a driver element made of strong polyamide for load-bearing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall cost while maintaining strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses composite material strategy by combining polyoxymethylene (for sliding surfaces) and polyamide (for structural strength) in separate components. This allows the system to benefit from the low friction and cost of polyoxymethylene while maintaining the high strength of polyamide where needed, without requiring the entire driver element to be made of expensive material.
2Ease of operation
If a driver element with sliding element is used to reduce friction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver element and sliding element are designed to be integrated into a single assembled unit that functions as one component. The sliding element is positioned within the driver element structure, combining the low-friction sliding function with the driving function in a unified assembly that simplifies installation and operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the driver element is made from a single material to simplify manufacturing, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to withstand operational loads and reduce friction is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the driver element into distinct functional zones using different materials: polyoxymethylene for the sliding surfaces that contact the guide rail, and polyamide for the structural portions that bear loads and connect to the window pane. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for its specific operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite material construction by using polyoxymethylene and polyamide in different components of the driver assembly. This allows the system to achieve both low friction (through polyoxymethylene sliding surfaces) and high strength (through polyamide structural elements) while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through separate component production.
Data Source
AI summary
A window lifter assembly includes a guide rail defining an adjustment direction for a window pane, a cable for transmitting an adjusting force for moving the window pane along the guide rail, a driver element connected to the window pane and the cable, and a sliding element being a separate component from the driver element, wherein the driver element and the sliding element are connected via an at least two-stage latching connection, via which the sliding element and the driver element can be first connected to each other in a mounting position, wherein when the sliding element is shifted along the guide rail to an end position, moves relative of the sliding element the driver element such that the sliding element and the driver element move into a functional position which is different from the mounting position.