Window Lifter Driver Latch That Resists Tensile Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window lifter assemblies in motor vehicles face issues with the unintentional release of the windowpane from the driver due to tensile forces, especially when the window frame is stuck, such as from frost, leading to an unreliable connection.
Innovation Solution
A window lifter assembly with a driver having two driver legs, one of which is elastically displaceable, featuring a latching element that engages with a pane-proximal opening and is supported by a resting contour, preventing the latching element from disengaging under tensile force, ensuring a secure, tool-free connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastically displaceable latching portion with a latching cam is used to connect the driver to the windowpane, then the connection can be established without tools, but the connection may unintentionally release under tensile force when the windowpane is pulled in the closing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a blocking contour that prevents the latching cam from disengaging from the latching opening under tensile force. The blocking contour is positioned to interfere with the disengagement path of the latching cam, thereby counteracting the harmful effect of tensile forces that would otherwise cause unintentional release of the windowpane connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the latching portion is made elastically displaceable to enable tool-free connection, then installation is simplified, but the latching cam may slide out of the latching opening when tensile force acts on the windowpane
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking contour serves as a preliminary protective structure that prevents the harmful disengagement of the latching cam before it can occur. By positioning the blocking contour in the disengagement path, the design ensures that even when tensile forces act on the windowpane, the latching connection remains stable and the latching cam cannot slide out of the latching opening.
3Strength
If the driver legs are converged to clamp the windowpane securely, then the connection strength increases, but the complexity of the driver structure increases with additional tensioning elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tensioning element (screw or threaded bolt) from the driver structure, placing it outside the driver body. This allows the driver legs to be converged and clamped securely against the windowpane without requiring complex internal threading or adjustment mechanisms within the driver itself. The tensioning element is applied externally to brace the driver legs against the windowpane, simplifying the overall driver structure while maintaining strong clamping force.
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 a reliable, tool-free latching mechanism that maintains the connection between the windowpane and driver even under tensile stress, preventing unintentional disconnection during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a second driver leg (10b) which is elastically displaceable in relation to the first driver leg (10a)
Implementation Method 2
a resting contour (32) on which the second driver leg (10b) is supported as a result of a tensile force acting on the latching element (27) by way of the adjustable windowpane (4) in a closing direction
Data Source
AI summary
A window lifter assembly for an adjustable windowpane of a motor vehicle has a guide rail and a driver with a connecting leg connecting two driver legs separated by a receptacle gap. The first driver leg is configured to mount and guide the driver on the guide rail. The second driver leg is elastically displaceable relative to the first driver leg and has a latching element which protrudes into the receptacle gap. When inserting the adjustable windowpane into the receptacle gap of the driver, the latching element engages in a pane-proximal latching opening of the windowpane. The driver further has a resting contour on which the second driver leg is supported as a result of a tensile force acting on the latching element by the adjustable windowpane in a closing direction or a closed position of the adjustable windowpane.