Removable Electro-Optic Window Connection for Stress-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle window systems lack efficient and robust electrical connections for removable panels with electro-optic elements, leading to complex installation processes and potential mechanical stress on connections.

Innovation Solution

A connection interface with aligned first and second modules, utilizing conductive pads and spring pins or magnetic alignment, securely connects removable panels to vehicle headers, providing electrical coupling without additional steps and minimizing mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connection methods are used for removable panels with electro-optic elements, then mechanical strength and electrical connection reliability can be improved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical attachment and electrical connection into a single integrated connection interface. The connection module includes both mechanical fastening elements (screws, clips, or snap-fit mechanisms) and electrical contacts (conductive pads, pins, or connectors) that engage simultaneously when the removable panel is installed, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connection steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is designed as a universal module that simultaneously performs multiple functions: structural support, mechanical attachment, electrical power delivery, and signal communication. This multi-functional design allows a single connection action to establish all necessary connections for the electro-optic panel operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If traditional connection methods are used for removable panels, then connection strength can be improved, but installation time and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface is pre-configured with alignment features, positioned contacts, and pre-tensioned mechanical elements. When the removable panel is brought into position, the alignment guides automatically orient the panel correctly, and the mechanical fasteners are pre-positioned to engage with the electrical contacts, eliminating the need for manual alignment and sequential connection steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection elements are nested within or integrated into the mechanical connection structure. For example, conductive pads are embedded in the mechanical mounting bracket, or electrical pins are housed within the fastener assembly, allowing both mechanical and electrical connections to be established through a single insertion or fastening action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If additional connection steps are added to ensure electrical connection reliability, then electrical connection reliability improves, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12358352B2Connection methods for power removable and/or movable dimmable device

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A window apparatus of a vehicle includes a removable panel that selectively encloses an exterior opening of the vehicle. A window having an electro-optic element is connected to the removable panel. A connection interface is configured to selectively connect the removable panel to the vehicle. The connection interface includes a first connection module configured for connection to the header of the vehicle and a second connection module in connection with an interface surface of the removable panel. The alignment of the first and second connection modules electrically connects an electrical supply of the vehicle to the at least one terminal based on an alignment between the connection modules in an assembled configuration.