Motorized Vehicle Window Closing Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for limiting the closing force of motorized vehicle windows fail to effectively manage mechanical stresses on window regulators across varying climatic and operating conditions, leading to unnecessary wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the closing force as the difference between the total force applied when the window edge is in the seal area and the transfer force, and stops the electric motor when this closing force reaches a predetermined constant value, independent of climatic or operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the power supply voltage to the window regulator's electric motor is increased, then the blocking force increases, but the mechanical stresses on the components of the window regulator increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the window position and calculating the closing force before the window reaches the mechanical end stop. The control method proactively limits the closing force by comparing it to a pre-determined maximum value and stopping the motor when the limit is reached, preventing excessive mechanical stresses before they occur rather than reacting after damage happens.
2Force
If the power supply voltage is increased when the engine is running, then the blocking force increases, but the life of the window regulator is unnecessarily limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the window position and calculating the closing force in real-time. The control system uses this feedback information to compare the calculated closing force against a maximum allowable value and adjusts the motor operation accordingly, stopping the motor when the limit is reached. This closed-loop control prevents excessive forces that would reduce the regulator's lifespan while ensuring adequate sealing force is applied.
3Ease of operation
If a stop criterion based on total force measured after window penetration is used, then the window regulator is stopped, but the closing force is not limited in very cold weather when total force is very great
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by shifting from using total force as the control parameter to using closing force as the control parameter. The closing force is calculated by subtracting the transfer force from the total force, which removes the temperature-dependent component. This parameter transformation allows the system to use a constant maximum closing force limit regardless of ambient temperature, ensuring proper window sealing in cold weather without applying excessive forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of limiting a closing force of a motorized opening on a sealing line of a motor vehicle includes the step of calculating the closing force at each instant in a displacement of the opening while closing. The closing force is calculated by a difference between a force applied to the opening when an edge of the opening is situated in an area of or squashes the sealing line and a force applied to the opening just before the edge of the opening penetrates into the area of or squashes the sealing line. The method further includes the step of stopping an electric motor driving the opening when the closing force reaches a constant predetermined value. The closing force can be limited regardless of the climatic conditions or the operating conditions of the motor vehicle.