Sunroof Shade Control Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sunroof systems require separate manual or electronic control for the sunshade and sunroof window, diverting driver attention and increasing operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines and selectively controls the sunshade position based on a linked or unlinked mode with the sunroof window, using a processor to synchronize or independently manage the sunshade and window positions according to user requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate manual or electronic control is used for sunshade and sunroof window, then independent control flexibility is improved, but driver attention is diverted and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of sunshade and sunroof window into a single integrated control system. The control module receives a single user input and automatically coordinates the movement of both components, merging two separate control operations into one unified action. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining independent control flexibility through programmable coordination while eliminating the need for separate manual operations, thereby reducing driver attention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the relationship between sunshade and sunroof window based on operational mode. In linked mode, the components move together automatically; in unlinked mode, they can be controlled independently. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different user needs, providing both automated convenience and independent control flexibility as required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate manual or electronic control is used for sunshade and sunroof window, then independent control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module merges the control logic for both sunshade and sunroof window into a single integrated unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for separate control circuits and interfaces, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining the flexibility to control both components independently when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it can control the sunroof window alone, the sunshade alone, or both components together in coordinated fashion. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single universal control interface that automatically determines the appropriate control mode, reducing the need for multiple dedicated controls and simplifying the user interface.
3Ease of operation
If linked mode control is used for sunshade and sunroof window, then operational simplicity is improved, but independent control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode switching that allows transition between linked and unlinked control modes. The control module detects user intent and automatically switches between modes, providing linked control for routine operations to maintain simplicity, while enabling unlinked control when independent adjustment is needed, thus balancing operational simplicity with independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the positions and operational states of both sunshade and sunroof window. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts control mode and coordination, providing linked control when appropriate for simplicity while enabling independent control when feedback indicates a need for separate adjustment, thereby maintaining both simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are providhed for controlling a sunshade associated with a sunroof system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining, by a processor, a mode of the sunshade to be at least one of a linked mode and an unlinked mode; and selectively controlling, by a processor, a position of the sunshade based on one of a requested position of the sunshade and a requested position of a sunroof window, wherein the selectively is based on the mode.