Vehicle Barrier Door With Powered Ventilation and Movable Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle enclosure systems face challenges such as manual operation of movable windows leading to driver distraction, susceptibility to manipulation, reduced ventilation, and discomfort due to inadequate air flow and heating/cooling control, which compromise safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A barrier door with a powered ventilation system incorporating a movable window panel, actuator, and controller for controlled air flow, along with heating and cooling elements, to enhance protection, reduce distractions, and improve comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a manual movable window is incorporated in the barrier door, then ventilation and air flow are improved, but driver distraction and susceptibility to manipulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical window operation system with an automated electro-mechanical system. The controller automatically opens and closes the movable window panel based on predetermined conditions, eliminating the need for manual driver operation and thereby reducing driver distraction while maintaining ventilation functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If a manual movable window is incorporated in the barrier door, then ventilation and air flow are improved, but susceptibility to manipulation by passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical window operation system with an automated electro-mechanical system controlled by a controller. This automation removes the window control from passenger reach, eliminating the risk of passenger manipulation while preserving the ventilation function through automated operation based on sensor inputs or predetermined schedules.
3Reliability
If the window is left closed to maintain protection, then security is improved, but ventilation and air flow are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic window control system that automatically adjusts the movable window panel position based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors environmental factors and automatically opens the window to provide ventilation when safe, then closes it when protection is needed, creating a dynamic balance between security and comfort without requiring manual driver intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier door system performs self-service ventilation by automatically controlling the movable window panel through an integrated controller. The system monitors conditions and autonomously opens or closes the window to maintain appropriate air flow and temperature, eliminating the need for manual driver operation and ensuring continuous protective function.
4Ease of operation
If a pneumatic assist is incorporated for automatic door operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pneumatic assist systems with a more straightforward electro-mechanical actuation system controlled by an electronic controller. This substitution simplifies the overall system by using electrical controls and sensors rather than pneumatic components, achieving automatic operation while reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
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 system provides enhanced protection and comfort by allowing controlled ventilation and temperature adjustment, reducing driver distractions and improving visibility, while maintaining operational efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator, and a controller. The actuator may move the inner movable portion between different positions to control flow of air between a protective enclosure and a volume outside of the protective enclosure
Implementation Method 2
The powered ventilation system may incorporate one or more blower fans to allow the driver to control the level of ventilation
Implementation Method 3
The powered ventilation system may include a heating and/or cooling element to provide an additional level of comfort control
Implementation Method 4
The controller may monitor one or more operating characteristics of the actuator and may modify an operational status of the actuator to control the flow of the air between the protective enclosure and the volume outside of the protective enclosure based at least in part on the one or more operating characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A barrier door for a protective enclosure is disclosed herein. The barrier door includes a hinge structure configured for installation within an interior volume of a vehicle such that the barrier door can rotate through an aisle of the vehicle, a lower section, and an upper section including a stationary portion and a movable portion disposed adjacent to the stationary portion, wherein the lower section and upper section are configured to separate an operator position within the interior volume of the vehicle from a passenger area of the interior volume of the vehicle, and a lift device configured to move the inner movable portion between a lowered position in which the inner movable portion is at least partially withdrawn into the lower section to form an opening in the upper section and a raised position in which the inner movable portion is extended to close the opening.