Vehicle Sliding Window Conductive Cable Merging Mechanical and Electrical Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding window assemblies for vehicles require separate electrical wiring for the heating grid and the motor-driven sliding panel, leading to increased costs and reduced packaging space due to the need for additional components and wiring.
Innovation Solution
A conductive cable is integrated that serves both mechanical and electrical purposes, transferring power to the heating element and moving the sliding panel between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for separate wiring and components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate electrical wiring is used to energize the heating grid and mechanical cable to move the sliding panel, then the system is reliable and functions are well-separated, but the device complexity and component count increase leading to higher costs and reduced packaging space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical wiring and mechanical cable into a single integrated conductive cable assembly. This cable serves dual purposes: it mechanically moves the sliding panel between open and closed positions while simultaneously providing electrical current to energize the heating grid element, thereby reducing component count and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive cable is designed with multi-functionality, performing both mechanical transmission (moving the panel) and electrical transmission (powering the heating element) functions within a single component. This universal design eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and reduces packaging space requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If separate electrical wiring and components are used for the heating grid, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (electrical wiring and mechanical cable) into a single integrated conductive cable assembly, reducing the quantity of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and installed. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If separate electrical wiring is used for the heating grid, then electrical current can be reliably delivered to the heating element, but valuable packaging space within the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated conductive cable performs both mechanical and electrical functions within a single component, effectively halving the space required for wiring and cable management. This multi-functional design preserves packaging space while maintaining reliable electrical current delivery to the heating element through the same cable that moves the panel
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 reduces costs, conserves space, and enhances the robustness of the sliding window assembly by integrating the electrical and mechanical functions into a single conductive cable, thereby simplifying the system and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive cable is configured to transfer electrical current to energize the heating element
Implementation Method 2
The motor assembly is also configured to apply mechanical force to the conductive cable for moving the sliding panel between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding window assembly for a vehicle, a cable drive system for a vehicle, and methods of operating the same, are disclosed. The sliding window assembly includes a track adapted to be coupled to the vehicle, and a sliding panel movable relative to the track between an open position and a closed position. A heating element is coupled to the sliding panel for heating the sliding panel. The sliding window assembly further includes a conductive cable coupled to the sliding panel and the heating element. The conductive cable is configured to transfer electrical current to energize the heating element and to undergo mechanical force to move the sliding panel relative to the track between the open and closed positions.