Window Pane Driver With Axially Displaceable Threaded Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window pane drivers for window regulator assemblies face challenges in achieving optimal surface pressure for clamping and require complex designs with pressure pieces and openings, leading to high surface pressure and stress in the clamping device, making subsequent adjustments cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A driver design where the internal thread of a threaded sleeve is connected to a clamping screw, and the external thread is connected to a screw element, allowing the threaded sleeve to be axially displaceable and non-rotatable, distributing clamping force over the entire contact area between clamping plates, eliminating the need for a pressure piece and reducing stress by allowing independent clamping and adjustment without accessing the screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressure piece with prismatic projections is used to clamp the window pane, then the window pane can be clamped without accessing the screw, but the surface pressure between the pressure piece and window pane becomes excessively high and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressure piece with prismatic projections from the clamping device, extracting the problematic component that caused high surface pressure and structural complexity. The window pane is clamped directly between the two clamping plates without intermediate pressure pieces, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adjustment accessibility through the externally accessible screw element.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping plates are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide the primary clamping surface for the window pane, distribute the clamping force uniformly across the contact area, and eliminate the need for separate pressure pieces. The threaded sleeve and screw element combination provides both initial clamping and subsequent adjustment capabilities within a unified structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure piece is used to clamp the window pane, then subsequent adjustment is enabled, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure piece is completely removed from the design, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. The readjustment capability is achieved through the screw element that acts directly on the clamping plates, eliminating the need for separate pressure piece components with prismatic projections and corresponding openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of clamping and adjustment are merged into a more integrated structure where the threaded sleeve connects the clamping screw and screw element, and the clamping plates directly contact the window pane. This consolidation reduces the total part count and simplifies the manufacturing process while preserving the ability to clamp and readjust the window pane.
3Strength
If the threaded sleeve is fixed non-rotatably to the clamping screw, then clamping force is maintained, but stresses accumulate in the clamping device when the window pane is loosened
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded sleeve is designed with axial mobility while maintaining non-rotatable connection to the clamping screw. This dynamic capability allows the sleeve to move axially when the window pane is loosened, preventing stress accumulation in the clamping device. The non-rotatable connection ensures the clamping force is maintained during normal operation, while the axial movement provides stress relief when needed.
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
This design simplifies the adjustment process by distributing clamping force evenly, reducing the number of parts required and preventing stress in the clamping device, allowing for easier alignment and re-alignment of window panes without accessing the screw, while maintaining optimal surface pressure.
Implementation Method 1
distributing clamping force over the entire contact area of the window pane with the clamping plates
Implementation Method 2
the threaded sleeve is axially (relative to the clamping plate) displaceable and non-rotatable held by the inner clamping plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a guide for a window pane (1) along a guide rail of a window regulator assembly, comprising a guide body (2) and a clamping device (3) arranged on the guide body. The clamping device (3) has an inner clamping plate (4) and an outer clamping plate (5) abutting the guide body. The window pane, which has a pane opening (10), can be clamped between these clamping plates. The clamping plates have bores (22) aligned with each other and with the pane opening. A threaded sleeve (6) and a clamping screw (7) screwed into an internal thread (61) of the threaded sleeve are inserted through these bores. An external thread (62) of the threaded sleeve is screwed into an internal thread (81) of a screw element (8). According to the invention, the threaded sleeve (6) is axially displaceable and rotationally fixed on the inner clamping plate (4), on the outer side of which the screw element (8) abuts for clamping and releasing the clamping device.