Sliding Window Cable Drive With Integrated Heating Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding window assemblies for vehicles require separate electrical wiring for heating elements, which increases costs and reduces packaging space, as the electrical wiring must be independent of the cable system used to mechanically move the window.

Innovation Solution

A sliding window assembly with a conductive cable that serves both mechanical and electrical functions, where a drum with a conductive terminal connected to the vehicle's power supply rotates to wind or unwind the cable, providing electrical current to the heating element through a conductive element that contacts the terminal during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate electrical wiring is used to energize the heating grid, then the heating element can be reliably powered, but the assembly cost increases and packaging space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating element power supplyVSAvoidwiring and component count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical cable that moves the sliding window with the electrical wiring that powers the heating grid into a single integrated cable assembly. The cable contains both mechanical strength members for movement and electrical conductors for power supply, eliminating the need for separate independent wiring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly serves dual functions: it mechanically moves the sliding window between open and closed positions while simultaneously providing electrical power to the heating grid. This multi-functional design reduces the overall component count and simplifies the assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate electrical wiring is used to energize the heating grid, then electrical current can be reliably transmitted, but valuable packaging space within the vehicle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical current transmissionVSAvoidpackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conductors are integrated within the cable assembly that also provides mechanical movement functionality. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and components, thereby freeing up valuable packaging space within the vehicle while maintaining reliable electrical current transmission to the heating grid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the cable is used solely for mechanical movement, then mechanical functionality is maintained, but separate electrical wiring is required increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding window movementVSAvoidseparate wiring and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is designed to perform both mechanical movement of the sliding window and electrical power transmission to the heating grid simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate independent wiring systems, reducing component count and assembly cost while maintaining full mechanical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution eliminates the need for separate electrical wiring, reduces component count, and saves space by using the same cable for both mechanical operation and electrical heating, while maintaining electrical connectivity and mechanical functionality.

Implementation Method 1

A heating element is coupled to the sliding window for heating the sliding window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The conductive element contacts the conductive terminal to provide electrical current to the cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11013069B2Sliding window assembly

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A sliding window assembly, a cable drive system and methods of operating the same, are disclosed. The sliding window assembly includes a guide track and a sliding window movable relative to the guide track. A heating element is coupled to the sliding window for heating the sliding window. A drum of a drive assembly rotates and includes a conductive terminal connected to a power supply of the vehicle. A cable is coupled between the sliding window and heating element and the drum. The drum rotates to mechanically wind or unwind the cable for moving the sliding window. A conductive element is coupled to at least one of the drum and the cable and is electrically connected to the cable and is movable during movement of the sliding window. The conductive element contacts the conductive terminal to provide electrical current to the cable for energizing the heating element.