Liftgate Window Heater Grid Wiring Through Glass for Hidden Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rear liftgate window assemblies for vehicles often have visible electrical connectors and wiring when the liftgate is closed, which can be aesthetically unpleasing and potentially prone to damage from water intrusion.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves routing electrical connectors and wiring from the exterior of the liftgate window panel through holes in the glass to a vehicle wire harness, using exterior and interior cover elements to conceal the connections, ensuring they are hidden from view both internally and externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connectors and wiring are routed through holes in the glass window panel to connect the heater grid, then the electrical connectivity is achieved, but the connectors and wiring become visible from inside the vehicle when the liftgate is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (cover element) that mediates between the electrical connector and the visible interior space. The cover element is positioned at the inner side of the window panel and conceals the connector and wiring while allowing electrical connection to pass through, thus resolving the conflict between electrical connectivity and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the electrical connector from a two-dimensional plane visible on the window surface to a three-dimensional concealed position behind the cover element. By routing the connector through the glass panel and hiding it behind the cover, the solution transitions the connector from a visible surface element to a concealed volumetric element, eliminating its visual impact
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical connectors and wiring are exposed at the window panel, then installation and connection are simplified, but the connectors become prone to damage from water intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cover element that acts as a protective shell or film over the electrical connector. This cover element seals the connector from the external environment, preventing water intrusion while maintaining the electrical connection functionality. The cover serves as a protective barrier that shields the vulnerable electrical components from harmful environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements protective measures in advance by positioning the cover element to shield the electrical connector before water intrusion can occur. The cover element is pre-installed and configured to prevent water access to the connector, providing proactive protection against potential damage rather than addressing water intrusion after it occurs
3Shape
If wiring is routed along and within the exterior cover element through the hole in the glass, then the wiring is hidden from view, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wiring routing function with the existing exterior cover element structure. Instead of creating a separate complex routing system, the solution integrates the wiring path within the cover element's existing structure, allowing the cover to serve dual purposes: aesthetic concealment and wiring protection, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular rear liftgate window assembly includes a glass window panel configured to be pivotable between a closed position and an opened position. A heater grid is disposed at an interior side of the glass window panel, the heater grid including a plurality of electrically conductive traces. A pair of busbars are established at the interior side of the glass window panel at opposite side regions of the electrically conductive traces of the heater grid. An aperture is established through the glass window panel at or near an upper region of each busbar, and electrical connectors are electrically connected at the upper regions of the busbars. The electrical connectors are configured to route a respective electrical wire from an exterior side of the glass window panel and through the respective aperture for electrical connection to the respective busbar at the interior side of the glass window panel.