Vehicle Window Trim Indexing and Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sliding trims for vehicle windows are difficult to assemble on door panels due to the rear end bumping against the panel during rotation, leading to potential degradation of the strip during assembly.

Innovation Solution

The proposed sliding trim features an indexing member with a cylindrical shaft for prepositioning and a locking member with elastic tabs to securely attach the trim to the door panel, allowing easy assembly without degrading the appearance or functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the immobilization means use a fitting pin in a rectangular orifice, then the hold of the strip on the door panel is good, but the assembly on the door panel is difficult and may degrade the strip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehold of the strip on the door panelVSAvoidassembly on the door panel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing member with inclined faces performs a preliminary action by guiding the strip into correct alignment and pre-positioning it before the final locking action. The inclined faces allow the strip to be inserted at an angle, preventing the rear end from bumping against the panel during assembly, thus enabling easy installation without degrading the strip while maintaining secure holding through the subsequent locking member engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the strip is rotated during assembly to fit on the rebate, then the strip can be positioned on the door panel, but the rear end bumps against the panel causing difficulty in assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning of the stripVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing member introduces a new dimensional approach by allowing the strip to be inserted at an angle (not perpendicular to the panel). The inclined faces of the indexing member guide the strip along a rotational path that starts from an angled insertion position, enabling the rear end to clear the panel during rotation and avoid bumping, thus facilitating easy assembly while achieving proper positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables easy and secure mounting of the sliding trim on the door panel, preventing damage and ensuring a proper fit without compromising the aesthetic or structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

said locking member comprises at least one elastic tab formed on the barrel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2048379B1Window trim, door equipped with such a trim and associated positioning method
Publication Date: 2012.02.01 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP2048379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2048379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2048379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The trimming (10) has a longitudinal bar (11) fixed on an opening frame i.e. door panel, of a motor vehicle. The bar has an immobilizing unit fixed on the frame. The immobilizing unit has an indexing unit that is provided with a cylindrical shaft (20) to index the trimming with respect to the frame. The indexing unit pre-positions the bar on the frame during rotation of the bar around a rotational axis (Y) that is extended perpendicularly to the trimming. A locking unit locks the bar and fixes the frame with respect to the axis, where the locking unit is provided with an elastic tab (22). An independent claim is also included for a method for positioning a sliding trimming on an opening frame of a motor vehicle.