An Efficient Light Weight all Plastic Dual Rack and Pinion Window Lift Mechanism for Automotive Vehicles

In the latter half of 2004, a new concept of window lift mechanism will be supplied to a major OEM for a high volume passenger car in the North American market. This new concept of window lift mechanism, marketed by Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. as the Racklift™, was jointly developed in conjunction with an independent inventor. The Rack Lift mechanism is essentially an all-plastic construction, which results in a very light weight unit. Plastic gears are driven along each side of an injection molded unitary dual rack providing a quiet and efficient operation. The higher efficiency of this mechanism, compared to traditional designs, allows use of smaller, lighter and lower output electric motors. The plastic mechanism is greaseless and thus produces a constant efficiency over the required operating temperature range. The combination of high efficiency, lightweight and robustness to temperature makes this an ideal concept for automotive applications.