Slider Window Switch Assembly with Elastomeric Boot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slider window assemblies for vehicles lack an effective mechanism to accurately determine when the rear slider window is fully closed, leading to potential issues with window operation and driver notification.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular rear slider window assembly with a switch assembly that includes a housing portion with a movable contact element, encased in an elastomeric boot, which actuates a switch device when the window is fully closed, providing a clear indication to the driver through a powered system that activates or deactivates an indicator based on the window's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional slider window assembly is used without a switch device, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to accurately determine window closed position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The switch housing is integrated with the end stop structure, combining two separate components into one unified element. This merging reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining the detection function, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric boot serves as an intermediary element between the carrier and the movable contact element. It transmits the mechanical force from the carrier movement to the contact element, enabling reliable detection of the window closed position while providing mechanical isolation and protection for the switch device.
2Loss of information
If a switch assembly with movable contact element is added to detect window position, then driver feedback is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end stop structure serves multiple functions: it physically stops the carrier at the closed position, houses the switch device, and provides structural support for the boot assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby providing complete window position information without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric boot acts as a flexible shell that encloses and protects the switch device and movable contact element. It allows the carrier to move freely while transmitting force to actuate the switch, providing reliable window position information while maintaining a compact and protected structure.
3Reliability
If the movable contact element is exposed without a boot, then the structure is simpler, but the switch device is vulnerable to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric boot provides a flexible protective shell that encloses the switch device and movable contact element. It protects these sensitive components from damage and contamination while allowing the necessary mechanical movement for switch actuation, thereby improving reliability without adding complex protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot serves as an intermediary protective layer between the external environment and the switch device. It transmits mechanical force from the carrier to the contact element while shielding the internal components from damage, improving reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Ensures accurate detection of the window's closed position, providing reliable driver feedback and enhancing operational efficiency by activating indicators when the window is fully closed or open.
Implementation Method 1
The housing and switch device are encased within an elastomeric (e.g., rubber) boot or cover that covers the movable contact element, such that, when the window is closed, the end of the carrier contacts the boot or cover at the movable contact element, which causes movement of the contact element to actuate the switch device
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular slider window assembly includes a frame having upper and lower rails. A fixed window has an opening and the rails are attached at the fixed window. A movable window is movable between a closed position and an opened position. A carrier disposed at a lower edge of the movable window moves with the movable window between the opened and closed positions. A sensing system determines when the movable window is in the closed position and includes a switch assembly that is actuated when the movable window is in the closed position. The switch assembly includes a switch device within a housing. A portion of the housing is an end stop configured to limit movement of the carrier when the movable window is in the closed position. The switch device includes a contact and, when the movable window is in the closed position, the contact actuates the switch device.