Vehicle Window Control Arrangement with Intention Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automotive industry faces challenges in designing cost-effective and ergonomic window control systems for vehicles, particularly due to the large size of window switch packs, which conflict with other components and require different constructional components for Left Hand Drive (LHD) and Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A window control arrangement that uses a single hardware switch unit for both driver and passenger doors, with a control unit and input device that allows the function of each switch to be redefined for controlling any window, utilizing proximity sensors or touch screens to detect user intention and transmit control signals to window actuators, reducing the need for multiple hardware control arrangements and simplifying door panel design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large window switch pack is provided in the driver's door panel, then all windows can be controlled from the driver's seat, but packaging space is consumed and conflicts with other components like grab handles and door pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The window control functionality is segmented between hardware switches in each door panel and a central multi-control switch module. Each door retains a simplified switch pack for its local window, while the central module provides comprehensive control for all windows and other vehicle functions, distributing the control burden and reducing local space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The central multi-control switch module serves multiple functions: it controls all vehicle windows, door locking operations, vehicle mirrors, and potentially other features. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms, reducing the need for large dedicated window switch packs in each door.
2Ease of operation
If different constructional components are provided for LHD and RHD vehicles, then ergonomic requirements are met, but costs increase due to the need for variant-specific parts
Solution Approach 1:
The system accommodates asymmetric ergonomic requirements through software configuration rather than physical asymmetry. The multi-control switch module can be programmed to assign window control functions to different physical locations or input methods depending on whether the vehicle is configured for LHD or RHD operation, allowing symmetric hardware to serve asymmetric purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses configurable parameters to adapt to different vehicle variants. By changing software parameters and control mappings rather than physical component arrangements, the same hardware platform can serve both LHD and RHD markets, eliminating the need for mirrored components and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware control switches are provided for windows, then window control functionality is available, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for multiple windows are merged into a single multi-control switch module located in the driver's door panel. This consolidation allows one control unit to manage all window actuators through software-based function assignment, reducing the number of separate hardware switches and simplifying the wiring architecture compared to having dedicated switches for each window in every door.
4Ease of manufacture
If symmetric door panels are provided for both driver and passenger sides, then packaging is simplified, but large unused areas are created when no switch pack is needed on the passenger door
Solution Approach 1:
The door panels are designed with local quality differentiation: the driver's door contains the comprehensive multi-control switch module for all vehicle functions, while the passenger door contains only minimal local controls or none at all. This asymmetric functional distribution allows each door panel to be optimized for its specific role, avoiding the waste of providing full control functionality in both doors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized panel designs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a window control arrangement for operating two or more windows (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) in a vehicle, said window control arrangement comprising one or several manually operated window control switches (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) being set as default to be associated with a specific one of said windows (1a, 1b, 1c, 1 d); a window actuator (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) associated with each of said windows (1a, 1b, 1c, 1 d) and being configured for raising or lowering a corresponding window (1a, 1b, 1c, 1 d); a control unit (3) connected to said window actuators (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) for controlling raising or lowering of said windows (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d); and an input device (5) connected to the control unit (3), said input device (5) having a multitude of input modes of which at least one mode is configured for receiving input concerning operation of said windows (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d). According to the invention, the arrangement is configured for activating said input device (5) to be in said at least one mode configured for receiving input concerning operation of said windows (1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) as a result of a detected intention from a driver or passenger in said vehicle to activate a window actuator (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d). The invention also relates to a method for controlling the operation of two or more windows.