Universal Power Window Motor with Position Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power window devices require different motor units for right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, increasing component complexity and manufacturing costs due to the need for steering wheel position-dependent control mode switching and additional door recognition terminals.

Innovation Solution

A power window device design that uses a single motor unit for both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles by incorporating a memory device to store mounting position information and a processor to determine the steering wheel position, allowing the device to recognize and adapt to the vehicle's configuration without the need for control mode switching or additional terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different motor units are used for right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, then the power window device can be optimized for each steering configuration, but the number of components increases and manufacturing costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower window device performanceVSAvoidnumber of motor unit types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor unit is designed with universal applicability to both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles through integrated door position recognition functionality. The ECU incorporates mounting position information and steering wheel position detection to automatically adapt to different vehicle configurations, eliminating the need for separate motor unit designs for different steering arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor unit performs self-configuration by automatically detecting its mounting position and the steering wheel position through integrated sensors and ECU processing. The system retrieves mounting position information from memory and combines it with steering wheel position data to autonomously determine the correct operational mode, eliminating manual switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If steering wheel position switching mechanisms are added to accommodate different drive configurations, then the power window device can adapt to various steering arrangements, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering configuration compatibilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic control system. The ECU uses mounting position information stored in memory and steering wheel position signals to electronically determine the correct operational mode, substituting physical switches and mechanical adjustment mechanisms with software-based configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ECU acts as an intermediary that processes mounting position information and steering wheel position data to determine the appropriate operational configuration. This intermediary component translates raw position data into control decisions, eliminating the need for direct mechanical switching between different drive configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If additional door recognition terminals are added to identify mounting position, then the motor unit can recognize its installation location, but the number of components and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position recognition accuracyVSAvoidnumber of recognition terminals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ECU is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the control unit for the motor and as the mounting position recognition system. By integrating mounting position information storage and processing within the existing ECU, the patent eliminates the need for separate recognition terminals while maintaining accurate position identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the mounting position recognition functionality with the existing ECU and memory system. Instead of adding separate recognition terminals, the mounting position information is stored and processed within the control unit's existing memory and processing capabilities, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7477977B2Power window device

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO

AI summary

A power window device for use in a vehicle for raising and lowering each window glass. The power window device includes a drive unit for each door operable for raising and lowering the associated window glass. Each drive unit includes an EEPROM for retaining mounting position information of the position in the vehicle at which the window glass driven by the associated drive unit is located. A processor in each drive unit retrieves steering wheel position information of whether the steering wheel is located in the right or left side of the vehicle. The processor recognizes the position in the vehicle at which the associated drive unit is installed based on the mounting position information and the steering wheel information. This enables the drive unit to be used for both right hand and left hand drive vehicles.