Selective Heating of Vehicle Side Window Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side windows of vehicles, particularly electrified vehicles, often form ice due to low temperatures, which impairs visibility and lacks effective defrosting mechanisms since they typically do not have wipers or defrost elements.
Innovation Solution
A heating element is integrated into the seal of a side window, which selectively generates heat when the window is closed, using a circuit that maintains continuity only when the window is in the closed position, and is controlled by a controller that responds to environmental data to prevent ice formation or melt ice when conditions are favorable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating element is continuously activated to prevent ice formation on side windows, then ice prevention effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and risk of melted ice entering vehicle when window is open increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element's operation is made dynamic by linking it to the window position. The heating element is activated only when the window is in the closed position, creating a dynamic on/off pattern that matches the actual need for ice prevention. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining reliability when the window is closed and preventing energy waste when the window is open.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the window's own position state to control the heating element automatically. When the window is closed, the heating element activates to prevent ice; when the window opens, the heating element deactivates. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems while optimizing energy usage based on actual ice prevention needs.
2Reliability
If a heating element is integrated into the side window seal, then ice prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the existing window seal structure, combining two functions (sealing and heating) into a single integrated component. This approach adds ice prevention capability while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing the existing seal as the mounting structure rather than adding a separate heating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The window seal is given multiple functions: it continues to provide its primary sealing function while simultaneously serving as the mounting structure and thermal pathway for the heating element. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, wiring channels, or additional structural components.
3Reliability
If the heating element generates more heat when the window is closed, then ice melting effectiveness is improved, but risk of water intrusion increases when window is open
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element performs preliminary ice prevention action when the window is closed, melting ice before the window is opened. By proactively preventing ice accumulation or melting existing ice while the window is sealed, the system ensures that when the window is subsequently opened, there is no melted water to intrude into the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The window seal acts as an intermediary that controls the relationship between the heating element and the window. When the window is closed, the seal provides a sealed pathway for heat to effectively melt ice. When the window opens, the seal's configuration changes to interrupt the heat pathway, preventing melted water from entering the vehicle while still allowing the heating element to function.
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
The solution effectively prevents ice formation or melts ice on side windows when conditions are favorable, ensuring clear visibility upon driving while avoiding melted ice from entering the vehicle when the window is open.
Implementation Method 1
A heating element selectively heats the side window when the side window is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary assembly includes a side window moveable between a first position and a second position, a heating element that selectively heats the side window, the heating element generating more heat when the side window is in the first position than when the side window is in the second position.