Window Regulator Driver Limb Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing window regulator assemblies for motor vehicles often suffer from excessive loading of the elastically movable driver limb during dismantling, leading to potential breakage and damage during the removal of the windowpane.
Innovation Solution
A window regulator assembly with a driver featuring two driver limbs connected via a connecting limb, where one limb is fixed and the other is resiliently flexible, equipped with a latching element and a locking element formed by overlapping hooks, which limits pivoting and prevents excessive bending, allowing secure latching and safe dismantling without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an elastically movable driver limb is used for tool-free dismantling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to excessive loading and potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is activated in advance during the dismantling process to prevent excessive bending of the driver limb. When the windowpane is pulled out, the locking element automatically engages to limit further deflection of the resiliently flexible driver limb, thereby preventing breakage before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as a protective mechanism that is prepared in advance to cushion against excessive loads. By positioning the locking element to engage when the windowpane is removed, it prevents the driver limb from exceeding its elastic limit and breaking, thus protecting the component before damage can occur.
2Ease of operation
If a resiliently flexible driver limb is used for elastic latching, then ease of operation is improved, but strength deteriorates due to excessive bending during dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to engage in advance during the dismantling process to prevent excessive bending. When the windowpane is pulled out and the driver limb begins to deflect, the locking element automatically activates to limit the pivoting path, thereby protecting the resiliently flexible limb from exceeding its elastic limit and losing strength.
3Ease of operation
If the driver limb is allowed to deflect freely during dismantling, then ease of operation is improved, but durability deteriorates due to repeated excessive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is prepared in advance to engage when the windowpane is removed during dismantling. It automatically limits the pivoting path of the driver limb, preventing excessive deflection that would cause repeated loading cycles and fatigue, thereby extending the service life of the driver assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves as a protective mechanism that is positioned to engage before excessive deflection can occur during repeated dismantling operations. By limiting the pivoting path from the outset, it cushions against damaging loads and extends the durability of the resiliently flexible driver limb over multiple use cycles.
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 ensures a secure latching connection to the windowpane without tools and prevents damage to the driver limb during dismantling by limiting deflection and bending, thereby ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a second driver limb (10b) which can be moved in a resiliently flexible manner with respect to the first driver limb (10a)
Data Source
AI summary
A window regulator assembly for an adjustable windowpane of a motor vehicle has a driver with two driver limbs which are connected via a connecting limb and between which a receiving gap for the windowpane is formed. A first driver limb is being configured for guiding the driver along an adjusting path. It being possible for the second driver limb to be moved elastically with respect to the first driver limb, and the second driver limb has a latching element which protrudes into the receiving gap, engages into a pane-side latching opening during insertion of the windowpane into the receiving gap of the driver, and can be moved out of the pane-side latching opening for dismantling of the windowpane. The driver has a locking element for limiting a pivoting path of the second driver limb during its movement with respect to the first driver limb.