Automobile Power Window Controller Logic for Unintended Operation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power window systems in vehicles often lack precise control over individual windows, leading to unintended operation by passengers or pets due to the lack of direct coupling between control switches and actuators, necessitating a lock-out switch for safety but offering limited accessibility and discretion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that interprets sequences from window control switches to enable or disable windows, allowing for more elaborate and position-specific request sequences to prevent unintended operation, such as holding or double-action switches, and using visual indicators for status feedback, enabling individual window control from various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If window control switches are directly coupled to window actuators, then window operation is simple and reliable, but individual window control precision is lost and unintended operation by passengers or pets occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A controller is introduced as an intermediary component between the window control switches and window actuators. The controller receives control signals from switches, interprets them, and sends appropriate commands to the actuators. This intermediary layer enables precise individual window control while maintaining system reliability, as the controller can process requests from any control panel (centralized or individual) and selectively activate specific window actuators based on the interpreted control sequences.
2Reliability
If a lock-out switch is implemented to prevent unintended window operation, then safety is improved, but accessibility and discretion for individual window control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple control panels (centralized control panel and individual door-mounted control panels) with a controller that can interpret requests from any of them. This segmentation allows different levels of access: the centralized panel can control all windows, while individual panels control only their respective windows. The controller interprets control sequences to determine the intended action, providing safety without requiring a separate lock-out switch, as the interpretation logic itself prevents unintended operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the source and sequence of control signals. The controller can differentiate between requests from the centralized panel versus individual door panels, and interpret control sequences (such as holding or double-action switches) to determine enable/disable states. This dynamic interpretation provides flexible accessibility while maintaining safety, allowing adult occupants to easily manage window states through intuitive sequences while preventing unintended operation by others.
3Reliability
If centralized lock-out switch is used to control all windows, then safety is improved, but individual window control and accessibility from multiple locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives and interprets requests from both the centralized control panel and individual door-mounted control panels, manages enable/disable states for individual windows, and coordinates actuator operations. This universal controller enables the system to provide both centralized safety control and individual window control capabilities, making the system adaptable to different user needs and locations without requiring separate control mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and system for controlling the actuation of a movable structure, the moveable structure configured to open and close an aperture in a vehicle, is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a sequence containing a request to at least one of open and close the aperture, interpreting the sequence as a request to one of enable and disable the actuation of the moveable structure, and in response to the interpretation, one of enabling and disabling the actuation of the moveable structure.