Vehicle Window Submergence Detection and Auto-Open System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drivers and passengers often drown in vehicles submerged in water due to the inability to open power windows, as water infiltration prevents manual operation and pressure equalization is delayed, leading to fatal outcomes.

Innovation Solution

A submergence detection system automatically opens all front and rear side power windows of a vehicle upon water immersion, using a water collector and electronics component to form a closed circuit and activate relay switches, ensuring windows are opened before water pressure becomes lethal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power windows are made manually operable, then ease of operation is improved, but water infiltration prevents operation during submersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow operationVSAvoidwindow operation reliability during submersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects water submersion and triggers window opening without requiring manual operation by occupants. The water detection system and automated control mechanism enable the windows to open themselves when needed, eliminating the need for manual operation during emergency submersion conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical window operation with an automated electromechanical system. Water detection triggers an electrical control system that activates motors to open windows automatically, substituting the need for manual mechanical manipulation that fails during submersion due to water infiltration and pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If automated water detection system is added, then survival time is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to open windowsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary water detection and automatically initiates window opening before water reaches critical levels that would prevent escape. By detecting submersion early and triggering the window opening sequence proactively, the system saves critical time without requiring complex real-time pressure equalization control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a water detection system as an intermediary between submersion conditions and window opening action. This intermediary sensor system detects water presence and triggers the automated window opening sequence, simplifying the overall control logic compared to complex pressure-sensing or manual-trigger systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively opens vehicle windows within 20 seconds of water detection, allowing occupants to escape before water pressure becomes fatal, significantly reducing drowning incidents.

Implementation Method 1

using a water collector and electronics component to form a closed circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2847407B1Automatic water sensor window opening system
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 7882416 CANADA INC
  • EP2847407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2847407B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2847407B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system can automatically open at least one window of a vehicle when the vehicle is being submerged in water. The system can include a water collector and a water sensor, and when the water sensor detects water in the water collector, at least one window of the vehicle opens.