Rear Zone Module Wiring Reduction via Mutual Exclusivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power distribution systems in vehicles require numerous wires of varying gauges, leading to increased mass and complexity, particularly when controlling functions located in the rear of the vehicle, such as the liftgate, where wire flexibility and minimal harnesses are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A rear zone module (RZM) that optimizes electronic control modules by implementing input/output sharing, power moding, and energy savings, reducing wire gauge and current draw through innovative wiring configurations and relays, allowing for mutual exclusivity in operations like the power liftgate, heated back window, and rear window wiper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power distribution systems are used with numerous wires of varying gauges to control rear vehicle functions, then functional control is achieved, but wire mass and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wire functions into a single multi-conductor cable assembly that carries power and signals for multiple rear zone functions (power liftgate, heated back window, rear wiper) simultaneously, reducing the total number of individual wires and connectors needed in the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-conductor cable assembly serves multiple functions through its various conductors, with each conductor configured for specific functions (power, ground, control signals) that can be adapted to different rear zone modules, making the cable assembly a universal solution for various vehicle configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power distribution systems are used with numerous wires of varying gauges, then functional control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate wiring harnesses into a single integrated multi-conductor cable assembly, reducing the number of connection points, connectors, and routing paths that would otherwise be required for separate wires serving each rear zone function
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is designed with distinct conductors segmented by function (power, ground, control signals), allowing each conductor to be independently configured for specific rear zone modules while maintaining overall system integration and simplifying installation
3Ease of manufacture
If minimal wire harnesses are used in liftgate applications, then installation simplicity is improved, but current carrying capacity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-conductor cable assembly incorporates conductors with different gauges optimized for their specific functions - thicker gauges for high-current power delivery to the power liftgate motor, and thinner gauges for low-current control signals, ensuring each conductor has appropriate current carrying capacity while maintaining overall harness minimalism
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle includes a rear zone module (RZM) that includes at least a power liftgate (PLG) module, heated back window module, and a rear window wiper module. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to selectively control current with respect to at least the PLG module, heated back window module, and a rear window wiper module. The interconnections between the RZM and controller are minimized by sharing the interconnections as the PLG module operates mutually exclusively from the heated back window and rear window wiper module.