Vehicle Window Control Circuit Foreign Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle window opening devices struggle to safely remove caught foreign objects and prevent them from being further entangled, especially when occupants mistakenly attempt to open windows with objects stuck during operation, and there is a challenge in controlling distant vehicle windows effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window opening device with a control circuit that detects foreign object entrapment by monitoring motor speed fluctuations, stops the window from opening, and allows controlled closing to release the object, while also managing operations based on user input to prevent further entrapment and enable safe release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening operation is re-started after foreign object detection during opening operation, then the window can be opened, but the foreign object becomes further deeply caught
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies preliminary anti-action by detecting foreign object catching during opening operation and subsequently prohibiting further opening operations until the foreign object is removed. This prevents the harmful effect of deep entanglement before it can occur by stopping the opening motor upon detection and maintaining the prohibition state even if opening commands are issued.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manipulation switches at one seat control distant seat windows, then remote window control is enabled, but the occupant cannot easily determine the window state and may cause further entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing visual indication through the manipulation switch itself to show the operational state of distant windows. When a foreign object is caught in a remotely controlled window, the corresponding manipulation switch displays a specific visual state (such as illumination or display change) that informs the occupant of the abnormal condition, enabling them to take appropriate action without being physically present at the distant window.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the motor stops to reduce load on caught foreign object, then further entanglement is prevented, but the window cannot be opened until the object is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary action by proactively detecting foreign object catching during the opening operation and immediately stopping the opening motor to prevent further entanglement. The system then maintains a prohibited state that prevents subsequent opening operations until the foreign object is successfully removed, ensuring safety before allowing normal operation to resume.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window opening device includes a controlling portion, which controls opening/closing operation of a vehicle window based on drive force of a drive portion, a manipulation portion, which outputs a command signal in response to manipulation, and a catching detecting portion, which detects catching of a foreign object by the vehicle window based on a characteristic value of the drive portion that fluctuates in accordance with fluctuation in load acting on the vehicle window during an opening operation. The control portion is configured to control the opening operation, the closing operation, or both the opening and closing operations of the vehicle window based on manipulation of the manipulation portion after detection of catching by the catching detecting portion.