Vehicle Window Controller for Sealing and Quick Opening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle window systems face challenges in sealing and ease of opening, particularly during emergency situations or power failures, as they rely on mechanical speed limitations and delayed door opening due to finite window movement speed and interference with seals.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle window system with a controller that adjusts window positions based on conditions such as door handle actuation, vehicle speed, and crash detection, allowing for improved sealing and quick door opening by moving windows to specific positions that minimize interference with seals and enable easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the window is raised to a fully closed position sealing into the bodywork seal, then sealing performance is improved, but door opening time is increased due to window movement delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoiddoor opening time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The window is pre-positioned in a second closed position that is slightly below the fully closed position, prepared in advance for quick movement to the open position when the door handle is actuated. This preliminary positioning allows the window to be ready for rapid displacement without requiring full sealing engagement, thus reducing door opening time while maintaining adequate sealing when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the window moves at finite speed to seal into the seal, then sealing is achieved, but there is a delay between door handle operation and door opening

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoiddoor opening ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts window position based on operational conditions. The window can be positioned in a first closed position for full sealing, a second closed position for quick opening, or a third open position for door access. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the window to adapt its state according to whether sealing or ease of door opening is the priority, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the window is in a fully closed position for sealing, then protection against elements is improved, but emergency evacuation is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against elementsVSAvoidemergency evacuation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

In emergency situations, the window can be pre-positioned in the second closed position (slightly below fully closed) or directly moved to the third open position, preparing the system in advance for rapid egress. This preliminary action reduces the time and effort required for emergency evacuation while maintaining the ability to achieve full sealing when normal operation is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2470389B1Window systems for vehicles
Publication Date: 2017.10.04 ASTON MARTIN LAGONDA LIMITED
  • EP2470389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2470389B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP2470389B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A motor car (10) has windows (28, 49) which can have a first H1 fully closed position and a lower H2 position in which water tightness is still provided but opening of a frameless window assembly/door assembly can be achieved more quickly from the point in time in which the door handle 44, 46) is operated. The Hi position may be selected as the vehicle accelerates above a given speed and the H2 position may be selected when the vehicle door is closed, and the window may also have a short-drop H3 lower re-spool H4 position or in the case of a rear window a three quarter lowered H5 position.