Movable Window Electrical Contacts for Position-Based Power Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection methods for movable window panels face challenges in maintaining a conductive connection while allowing for seamless movement between open, closed, and intermediate positions, particularly for electro-optic windows, which requires a solution that does not inhibit the operational flexibility of the window panels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a selectively engaging electrical connection system comprising a first and second electrical contact, where the first contact is coupled to the window panel and the second contact is coupled to the vehicle, allowing engagement and disengagement based on the window panel's position, with a biasing member to facilitate movement and a power storage device to ensure continuous power supply, enabling the window panel to maintain functionality across various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous conductive connection is maintained for the movable window panel, then power supply reliability is improved, but the operational flexibility and movement freedom of the window panel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system transitions from a static continuous connection to a dynamic selective connection. The first electrical contact moves with the window panel while the second electrical contact remains stationary, enabling the connection to engage or disengage based on the window panel's position. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain power supply when needed while permitting free movement when the connection is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary between the first and second electrical contacts. It facilitates the engagement and disengagement of the electrical connection by applying mechanical force to move the first electrical contact toward or away from the second electrical contact based on the window panel's position, thereby mediating between the need for continuous power and the need for movement freedom.
2Reliability
If electrical contacts are permanently engaged to ensure continuous power supply, then power transmission reliability is improved, but the window panel's ability to move between positions freely deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic electrical contacts where the first electrical contact is coupled to the movable window panel and can engage or disengage from the second electrical contact based on the window panel's position. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between maintaining power transmission and allowing free movement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection parameter changes from connected to disconnected based on the window panel's position. When the window panel is in a position where power is needed, the electrical contacts engage to establish a conductive connection. When movement is prioritized, the contacts disengage, changing the electrical connection parameter to allow position adaptability without compromising overall system reliability.
3Reliability
If a conductive connection system is added to the movable window panel, then power supply capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrical contact is integrated with the movable window panel, merging the electrical connection function with the existing movable structure. The biasing member is coupled to either the first or second electrical contact, combining the mechanical biasing function with the electrical connection mechanism. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrical contact serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical component coupled to the movable window panel and an electrical conductor for power transmission. The biasing member similarly serves both mechanical (providing force) and electrical (facilitating contact engagement) functions, reducing the need for separate components and thereby reducing device complexity.
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 enables a stable and engageable conductive connection that optimizes the operational flexibility of movable window panels, particularly electro-optic windows, by allowing engagement and disengagement based on position, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and maintaining the window's functionality across different positions.
Implementation Method 1
The second electrical contact may be disposed on a biasing member. The biasing member may be operable to move the second electrical contact between a retracted position and an extended position.
Implementation Method 2
The window panel may comprise an electro-optic element. The electro-optic element may be operably variably transmissive. Further, the first electrical contact may be electrically connected to the electro-optic element. Accordingly, the conductive connection may be operable to conduct an electrical signal operable to vary the transmittance of the electro-optic element.
Data Source
AI summary
A movable window apparatus is disclosed. The movable window apparatus may comprise a window panel, a first electrical contact, and a second electrical contact. The window panel is operable between an opened position and a closed position. The first electrical contact is coupled to the window panel. The second electrical contact is coupled to the vehicle. Further, the first electrical contact is operable to engage the second electrical contact when the window panel is in a first position and disengage the second electrical contact when the window panel is out of the first position. Engagement of the second electrical contact by the first electrical contact forms a conductive connection. This conductive connection has the advantage of being engageable and dis-engageable. Accordingly, the movable window apparatus enables a conductive connection with a window panel without inhibiting the movement of the window panel between two or more positions.