Vehicle Window Regulator Lifter Plate Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window regulator assemblies in vehicles face issues such as premature failure of pulley joints, high force requirements for window insertion, binding or sticking of lifter plate assemblies, increased costs due to large motors, and door handle instability during transport or installation.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a carrier and pulley assembly with conical bending load bearing surfaces, a lifter plate design for strong window connection with locking features, reduced binding through lateral engagement surfaces and cable mounts, and a tensioner system to maintain cable tension, along with a wiring harness clip and integral components like down stops and seals for cost reduction and improved functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pulley joints are used in window regulator assemblies, then the structure is simple, but the joint between pulleys and carrier is subject to premature failure due to bending loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conical surfaces to the pulley assembly bending load bearing surface and the carrier bending load bearing surface. These curved conical surfaces mate together to distribute bending loads across a larger contact area, reducing stress concentration and preventing premature failure of the pulley joint while maintaining structural simplicity
2Ease of operation
If conventional lifter plate designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the force required to insert a window into the lifter plate assembly is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The lifter plate assembly includes a window holding member that can be positioned in advance to facilitate window insertion. The design allows the window holding member to be preliminarily positioned before the window is fully inserted, reducing the force required during the insertion process by preparing the locking mechanism in advance
3Reliability
If large motors are used to drive lifter plate assemblies, then binding or sticking is overcome, but the overall cost of window regulator assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the lifter plate assembly, specifically the configuration of lateral engagement surfaces and cable mount positions. These parameter changes optimize the mechanical interaction between components, reducing friction and binding during movement, which allows for the use of smaller, more cost-effective motors while maintaining reliable operation
4Adaptability or versatility
If door handle assembly is mounted to the carrier, then functionality is integrated, but the door handle can swing during transport or installation causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing the door handle assembly with pre-built stability features. The carrier includes a door handle assembly with a door handle that is pre-configured to resist swinging during transport or installation, preventing damage before the actual use scenario occurs
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a lifter plate is provided that is capable of a relatively strong connection to a vehicle window. The lifter plate includes a lifter plate body including a first side wall and a second side wall configured to receive a vehicle window therebetween, a window holding member positionable in a locking position to prevent the withdrawal of the vehicle window from between the first and second side walls, and a locking member positioned to prevent the movement of the window holding member out of the locking position in the event of a force urging the withdrawal of the vehicle window from between first and second side walls.