Retractable Charging Cable for Moving Electrochromic Side Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of active glasses into vehicle side doors poses technical challenges due to the need for a current flow to activate the glass, which conflicts with the mobile nature of conventional window lift systems.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cable system is used to facilitate an electric current flow to active glass windows in vehicle side doors, minimizing mechanical and non-mechanical issues such as noise, vibrations, and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed cable system is used to supply current to the active glass window, then the electrical connection is stable, but the system cannot accommodate the movement of the active glass window along the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic retractable mechanism that can extend and retract as the active glass window moves along the rail, maintaining electrical connection throughout the movement range
Solution Approach 2:
A cable dispenser acts as an intermediary device between the fixed cable supply and the moving active glass window, managing cable extension and retraction while maintaining continuous electrical connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable cable system is used to accommodate window movement, then the adaptability to movement is improved, but mechanical stress and exposure to environmental factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable dispenser and cable routing system are designed to preemptively manage mechanical stress through proper cable support, bending radius control, and stress distribution mechanisms, preventing excessive stress concentration on the cable and connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The cable dispenser serves as a protective intermediary that shields the cable from direct exposure to environmental factors such as water, dust, and corrosion while managing the mechanical stresses of cable extension and retraction
3Volume of moving object
If the cable dispenser is integrated into the window lift system, then the space requirement is minimized, but the complexity of the window lift system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable dispenser is integrated with existing window lift system components such as the rail or drag car, combining cable management functionality with the structural elements already present in the window lift system, thereby minimizing additional space requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The retractable cable system allows for the efficient activation of active glass windows while reducing mechanical stress and environmental exposure, ensuring reliable operation and extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the active glass window is configured to darken by receiving a current flow through the window wiring and the connector
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric charging device (100) for a window lift system (1000) for vehicle doors, wherein the window lift system (1000) comprises an active system (1010) comprising an active glass window (1020) and window wiring (1030) comprising a connector (1040), and a rail (1050) on which said active glass window (1020) moves, wherein the active glass window (1020) is configured to darken by receiving a current flow through the window wiring (1030), wherein the electric charging device (100) comprises a cable dispenser (110) comprising retractable means, an electric cable (120) configured to be housed in the cable dispenser (110), wherein the cable dispenser (110) allows the elongation and retraction of the electric cable (120) by means of the retractable means during the movement of the active glass window (1020) along the rail (1050), wherein the electric cable (120) comprises a first end (A) connectable to a current source providing the current flow and a second end (B) connected to a counter-connector (130), wherein the counter-connector (130) is configured to be connectable to the connector (1040) of the active system (1010) establishing an electrical circuit between the current source and the active glass window (1020) allowing the passage of the current flow, and wherein the current flow of the electrical circuit acts on the active glass window (1020) causing the darkening of the active glass window (1020).