Inflatable bladder window stabilization for vehicle glass
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles like pickup trucks with vertically dropping back glass, the glass rattles when partially or fully down due to lack of support from the window frame, leading to vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A window stabilization system using inflatable bladders positioned adjacent to the window path, which inflate upon reaching a predetermined open position to physically contact the window, and a bladder control system that operates based on window switch data to stabilize the glass, with optional second bladders for opposite surfaces and sensors to detect the window's open amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the window is allowed to move freely in a vertical dropping configuration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the window is worsened causing rattling and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic stabilization system where inflatable bladders are selectively deployed based on window position. The bladders remain deflated during normal operation to allow free movement, then inflate automatically when the window reaches a partial down position to provide stabilization, and deflate again when fully lowered. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing stability only when needed rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflatable bladders to provide stabilization force. The bladders are positioned adjacent to the window and inflate with air or gas to contact and support the window glass at specific positions, preventing rattling and vibrations. This pneumatic mechanism provides a controllable, adjustable stabilization force that activates only when the window is in the problematic partial down position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inflatable bladders are positioned adjacent to the window path to stabilize the glass, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stabilization function from the main window structure by using separate, independent inflatable bladders positioned adjacent to the window path. These bladders are distinct components that can be added without fundamentally redesigning the window mechanism itself, thereby reducing the overall system complexity compared to integrating stabilization directly into the window frame or motor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladders serve as intermediary elements between the window glass and the stabilization system. Rather than directly modifying the window or its driving mechanism, the bladders act as mediators that provide stabilization force through controlled inflation, simplifying the connection between the control system and the window while maintaining stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bladder inflates to contact the window for stabilization, then the vibration is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened during inflation/deflation cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization bladders operate through periodic action, inflating only during specific phases when the window is in the partial down position where rattling occurs. The bladders deflate during other phases to allow smooth operation. This periodic activation pattern reduces vibrations when needed while minimizing interference with normal operation, resolving the contradiction between vibration reduction and ease of operation.
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 effectively reduces vibrations by stabilizing the window when partially open and allows smooth operation by deflating the bladders to facilitate raising or lowering without interference.
Implementation Method 1
The inflator is provided in fluid communication with the first inflatable bladder and is configured to pump a fluid such as air into the inflatable bladder such that when the first inflatable bladder is inflated a predetermined amount, the first inflatable bladder comes into physical contact with a surface of the window
Implementation Method 2
The bladder mechanism is positioned adjacent to the open window such that the bladder comes into physical contact with the window... stabilizing the window when partially open
Data Source
AI summary
A window stabilization system for a window of a vehicle includes a first inflatable bladder positioned adjacent a path along which the window passes such that the inflatable bladder will engage a surface of the window when the window is opened at least a predetermined amount and the inflatable bladder is inflated; an inflator in fluid communication with the first inflatable bladder configured to pump a fluid into the inflatable bladder such that when the first inflatable bladder is inflated a predetermined amount, the first inflatable bladder comes into physical contact with a surface of the window when the window is opened at least a predetermined amount; and a bladder control system to control operation of the inflator in response to data received regarding operation of the window.