Vehicle Refuel Door Control Assembly With Integrated Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refuel and recharge systems in vehicles are complex due to the need for separate sourcing and installation of components like lights, heaters, and motors, requiring extensive coordination and resources.
Innovation Solution
A centralized control system that integrates multiple functional modules, such as lights, heaters, and motors, connected via a system controller to a vehicle controller, simplifying the system and allowing for customization and preassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (lights, heaters, motors) are individually sourced and installed in conventional systems, then each component can be independently selected and installed, but the system becomes complex requiring extensive wire harnesses and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (lights, heaters, motors, controllers) into an integrated modular assembly. The controller is integrated directly into the door assembly rather than being a separate vehicle-mounted component, and all electrical connections are made through a single connector rather than multiple wire harnesses. This merging reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to select different component combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions within a single component: it controls lights, heaters, motors, and coordinates their operation. The modular design allows the same controller architecture to work with different combinations of components (lights, heaters, motors) depending on the specific application, providing universality across different vehicle configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each additional element is a separate component that must be separately sourced and installed, then customization is possible, but considerable amounts of coordination, time, and money are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-assembled as a complete modular unit with the controller, lights, heaters, and motors integrated together before installation in the vehicle. All electrical connections and mechanical mounting points are prepared in advance, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit rather than requiring sequential installation of multiple separate components, significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components are merged into a single pre-integrated assembly that can be customized with different component combinations (lights, heaters, motors) before installation. This merging maintains customization options while eliminating the need for extensive on-site coordination and installation work.
3Ease of operation
If separate wire harnesses extend from the refuel/recharge system to the vehicle controller, then each component can be individually controlled, but the system requires extensive wiring and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is merged with the door assembly, and all component controls are integrated into a single wiring system that connects to the vehicle through one connector. This eliminates multiple separate wire harnesses while maintaining the ability to individually control lights, heaters, and motors through the integrated controller's software and circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided for a refuel or recharge door of a vehicle, which includes a vehicle controller. The system has a housing with a port, a door removably attached to the housing, a system controller, and at least one module. The system controller is communicably connected to a vehicle controller of the vehicle. Further, the system controller is configured to control the at least one module.