Window Lifter Assembly Reinforcement Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of window lifter assemblies for vehicle windows is complex due to the need for separate mounting of reinforcement members, which complicates the integration of guiding elements and increases the risk of misalignment and assembly errors.

Innovation Solution

A window lifter assembly design where a reinforcement member, made of a different material than the carrier member, is at least partially embedded in the plastic material of the carrier member, forming a form-fit connection that integrates the reinforcement member as an integral part of the carrier, eliminating the need for separate assembly and enhancing structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a separate reinforcement member is mounted to the carrier member, then structural support at the guiding element mounting region is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement member and carrier member are merged into a single integrated component. The reinforcement member is embedded within the carrier member during the molding process, creating a unified structure that provides both structural support and simplifies assembly by eliminating separate mounting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement member is pre-positioned and embedded in the carrier member during the molding process before final assembly. This preliminary integration ensures proper alignment and structural support is already in place, eliminating the need for separate mounting steps and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate reinforcement member with fastening elements is used, then structural integrity is improved, but the risk of misalignment and assembly errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the reinforcement member and carrier member into a single integrated component during molding, the patent eliminates the interfaces between separate parts. This ensures perfect alignment and structural integrity without the risks of misalignment that accompany separate fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The molding process itself automatically positions and integrates the reinforcement member in the correct location and orientation. The process self-corrects any alignment issues that would occur with manual assembly, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring additional alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are assembled, then adaptability is improved, but assembly time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent adaptabilityVSAvoidassembly productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple components (carrier member and reinforcement member) into a single integrated part through embedding during molding. This reduces the number of assembly steps and increases productivity, while the modular design of the integrated component maintains adaptability for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3480403B1Window lifter assembly and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3480403B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3480403B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3480403B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A window lifter assembly for adjusting a vehicle window, comprising: - a flexible traction element for transmitting an adjustment force for adjusting the vehicle window; - a guiding element at which the flexible traction element is guided from a first direction towards a second direction; - a carrier member made of plastic material and comprising a mounting region for the guiding element; and - a reinforcement member made of a different material than the carrier member, which reinforcement member carries the guiding element and is at least partially embedded in the plastic material of the carrier member at the mounting region.