Worm Gear Window Regulator Rail Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window regulator systems face limitations in stiffness, tool cost, and glass system deflection due to the use of slotted brackets or Jack screws for adjusting glass sealing, which also require additional clearances in the door for rail packaging.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a jack-screw secured to a gear, a worm meshingly engaging the gear, and a nut on the rail, allowing for rotational adjustment of the rail with respect to the vehicle door panel, accessible from outside and located in the lower area, enabling fine-tuning without disassembling the door trim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slotted brackets or Jack screws are used for adjusting glass sealing, then adjustment capability is provided, but system stiffness is limited and tool costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment systems (slotted brackets, jack screws) with a worm gear mechanism. The worm gear provides precise rotational control of the regulator rail through mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for separate adjustment tools while maintaining system stiffness through direct mechanical engagement with the rail mounting structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If slotted brackets or Jack screws are used for adjusting glass sealing, then adjustment capability is provided, but component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism with the existing window regulator system by integrating the worm gear into the regulator's mounting structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate adjustment tools and components, reducing overall system cost while providing continuous adjustment capability through the worm gear's rotational input.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment is performed on the rail, then rail position can be modified, but additional clearances are needed in the door for rail packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the worm gear allows the regulator rail to be positioned at various locations along its travel path. The rail can be adjusted to different angles and positions within the available door space, optimizing packaging efficiency while maintaining adjustability for glass sealing alignment.
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 solution enhances the stiffness and adjustability of the window regulator system, reduces tool costs, and allows for precise adjustment of the rail position without affecting glass system deflection, while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a worm rotatably secured to the vehicle door panel, the worm being configured to meshingly engage the gear
Implementation Method 2
a jack-screw secured to a gear, the gear and the jack-screw being rotatably secured to the vehicle door panel
Implementation Method 3
a jack-screw threadingly engaging the nut, wherein when the worm is rotated the jack-screw will rotate in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction which will cause the rail to move in a direction with respect to the vehicle door panel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (14) for adjusting a location of a rail of a window regulator (12) with respect to a vehicle door panel (10), the apparatus including: a jack-screw (24) secured to a gear (26), the gear (26) and the jack-screw (24) being rotatably secured to the vehicle door panel (10); a worm (28) rotatably secured to the vehicle door panel (10), the worm (28) being configured to meshingly engage the gear (26); and a nut (30) secured to the rail (16), the jack-screw (24) threadingly engaging the nut (30), wherein when the worm (28) is rotated the jack-screw (24) will rotate in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction which will cause the rail (16) to move in a direction with respect to the vehicle door panel (10).