Power Window Control Unit Master Switch Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers face difficulty in operating multiple power window switches simultaneously while driving, making it cumbersome to open or close all window glasses efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A power window device with a control unit that allows for a special operation mode where all window glasses can be controlled with a single operation, with adjustable movement speeds and timings, and optional notification to passengers, distinguishing the special operation from normal operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple window switches are arranged individually for each window glass, then each window glass can be controlled independently, but the driver cannot operate all window switches simultaneously while driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow switch operationVSAvoidnumber of window switches
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual window switch operations into a single master switch operation. When the driver operates the master switch, the control unit receives a signal and automatically controls all window glasses to move simultaneously, merging the function of multiple switches into one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The master switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control all window glasses to move simultaneously, and individual window switches can still control specific window glasses independently. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both collective and individual control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If all window glasses are moved simultaneously, then the operation is simplified, but the movement speed may be too fast causing safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow opening/closing operationVSAvoidsafety risk from fast window movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit changes the movement speed parameter based on the operation type. When all window glasses are moved simultaneously, the control unit reduces the movement speed to a safer level compared to individual window operations, thus resolving the safety concern while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the operation signal and adjusts the driving unit's output accordingly. When a simultaneous operation signal is detected, the control unit applies a speed reduction factor, providing feedback control to ensure safe operation speeds during collective window movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If individual window switches are operated sequentially, then each window can be controlled precisely, but the driver has to perform operations at least twice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow control precisionVSAvoidtime for window switch operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The master switch performs preliminary action by initiating simultaneous movement of all window glasses in a single operation. This eliminates the need for sequential operations and reduces the time required, while the control unit ensures precise control of each window's movement independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit segments the control of each window glass independently even during simultaneous operation. Each window's movement is controlled separately by the driving unit based on the master switch signal, maintaining precision while enabling simultaneous operation to reduce time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3037613B1Power window device
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENG KK
  • EP3037613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3037613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3037613B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A power window device includes a driving unit (41-44) which moves a plurality of window glasses (21-24) of a vehicle respectively, an operation unit (31) which has a plurality of switches (31a-31d) corresponding to the plurality of window glasses (21-24) and which is provided for driving the driving unit (41-44), and a control unit (50) which controls the driving unit (41-44) to move and open or close the window glasses (21-24)in accordance with an operation on the operation unit (31). When a normal operation for operating any one of the plurality of window switches (31a-31d) individually is performed, the control unit (50) controls the driving unit (41-44) to move only the window glass corresponding to the operated window switch. When a special operation which is different from the normal operation is performed on the window switches (31a-31d), the control unit (50) controls the driving unit (41-44) to move all the window glasses (21-24).