Touch-Sensitive Operating Device for Vehicle Window Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for transportation vehicles are not compact enough and require additional space for conventional finger depressions and separate operating areas for window regulators, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact operating device with touch-sensitive regions on both the upper and front sides, allowing for integrated and space-saving operation of window regulators, eliminating the need for conventional switches and reducing tooling costs through a one-piece plastics injection-molded design, with touch-sensitive areas enabling intuitive operations like wiping motions and double tapping for window control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional finger depressions and separate operating areas are used for window regulators, then the operating device is functional and reliable, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operating functions (front window regulation, rear window regulation, and finger depression operations) into a single integrated touch-sensitive operating area. This merging eliminates the need for separate switches and operating regions, reducing structural complexity while maintaining full operational capability through unified touch-sensitive control surfaces on both the upper and front sides of the operating device
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive operating area serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the upper side and front side operating surfaces, controls both front and rear window regulators, and replaces conventional finger depression switches. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform what previously required multiple separate elements, thereby reducing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate operating areas for front and rear window regulators are provided, then all window functions are controllable, but the operating device requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial configuration by providing touch-sensitive operating areas on both the upper side and front side of the operating device. This dimensional approach allows control functions to be distributed across different surfaces and angles, enabling comprehensive window regulation control while optimizing the use of available space and reducing the device's footprint
3Reliability
If conventional switches and separate operating areas are used, then the operating device is reliable, but manufacturing costs and tooling expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (conventional switches, multiple operating areas, housing structures) into a single integrated operating device with touch-sensitive surfaces. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and tooling expenses while maintaining reliability through the robust touch-sensitive technology
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a transportation vehicle having at least one touch-sensitive operating area to display at least one operating symbol and to actuate at least one window lifter. The operating device, viewed from an imaginary installed state in the transportation vehicle, has an upper face and a front face adjoining the upper face, at least one touch-sensitive operating area for actuating a window lifter that is on at least part of the upper face and also on at least part of the front face.