Adjustable Window Regulator Slider for Glass Seal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frameless window regulators in vehicles face challenges with angular misalignment of the windowpane, leading to inadequate sealing with roof rails or seals, which is not detected until assembly, necessitating adjustments in both vertical and fore-and-aft positions to ensure a proper fit.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable slider with a base body, clamp-plate assembly, and dual adjustment mechanisms allowing vertical and fore-and-aft adjustments, featuring a hinge plate connected via a threaded fastener and elongate member for precise angular and positional adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If frameless window regulators are used without adjustment mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to angular misalignment of the windowpane
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is designed with adjustable components including a hinge plate with first and second adjustment mechanisms that allow the clamp-plate assembly to be dynamically repositioned in vertical angle and fore-and-aft position, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one to achieve precise angular and positional alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms enable changing of geometric parameters (vertical angle and fore-and-aft position) of the clamp-plate assembly relative to the base body, allowing manufacturers to modify these parameters to achieve proper sealing alignment with roof rails or seals
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanisms are added to the slider, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into two independent mechanisms: a first adjustment mechanism for vertical angle control and a second adjustment mechanism for fore-and-aft position control, allowing each mechanism to be optimized independently and simplifying the overall adjustment process
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustments are performed preliminarily during manufacturing before the window regulator is installed in the vehicle, allowing precise alignment to be established in advance, which prevents seal failures and eliminates the need for post-installation adjustments
3Ease of manufacture
If no adjustment capability is provided, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to seal failures
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms enable preliminary alignment and sealing verification to be performed during the manufacturing process itself, ensuring proper seal engagement with roof rails or seals before the regulator is installed in the vehicle, thereby preventing seal failures
Solution Approach 2:
The ability to change the vertical angle and fore-and-aft position parameters of the clamp-plate assembly allows manufacturers to optimize the sealing interface geometry to match specific vehicle applications, improving seal reliability while maintaining ease of assembly
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
Enables accurate fitting of the windowpane to ensure a proper seal by allowing manufacturers to adjust the vertical and fore-and-aft positions before assembly, preventing seal failures and improving vehicle integration.
Implementation Method 1
the base body may define a threaded hole and the second adjustment mechanism may include a threaded fastener disposed in the hole, wherein rotation of the fastener moves the hinge plate relative to the base body in the fore-and- aft direction
Implementation Method 2
the second adjustment mechanism includes an elongate member extending through the hole and the hoop to pivotally connect the hinge plate to the base body
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable slider of a window regulator includes a base body configured to connect with a cable of the window regulator and a clamp-plate assembly having first and second jaws configured to clamp a windowpane therebetween. A hinge plate supports the clamp-plate assembly. A first adjustment mechanism pivotally connects the hinge plate to the base body such that the clamp-plate assembly and the hinge plate are pivotal relative to the base body allowing a vertical angle of the clamp-plate assembly to be changed. The first adjustment mechanism is actuatable to move the hinge plate relative to the base body in a fore-and-aft direction allowing a fore-and-aft position of the clamp-plate assembly to be adjusted.