Window Control System with Customizable Preset Positions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power windows in vehicles lack the ability to adjust to intermediate positions between fully open and fully closed, leading to issues like buffeting sounds and inadequate airflow, which can cause distraction and discomfort for drivers and passengers.

Innovation Solution

A window control system with a motor controller and switch that allows for customization of preset positions, enabling the window to be set to full-open, full-closed, halfway-open, and quarter-open positions, using signal analysis from the switch to command the motor for precise movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the window control system uses a traditional auto function with only two preset positions (fully open and fully closed), then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the window cannot be positioned at intermediate locations, causing buffeting sounds and inadequate airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow position optionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The window travel range is segmented into multiple preset positions (fully open, halfway open, quarter open, fully closed) rather than treating it as a continuous range. The motor controller receives discrete click signals and moves the window to specific segmented positions along its travel path, enabling intermediate positioning while maintaining simple switch operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the window position based on the number of clicks detected. Each additional click increments the window position by a fixed amount (e.g., one-third or one-quarter of full travel), allowing the window to dynamically settle at different intermediate positions rather than being restricted to static end positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the window control system detects multiple clicks to determine preset positions, then the window can be positioned at multiple intermediate locations, but the detection accuracy and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreset position accuracyVSAvoidsignal detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic click detections within a defined time window to determine the desired preset position. Each click represents a discrete periodic action that increments the window position. The motor controller counts these periodic click events and moves the window accordingly, providing reliable and accurate position control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The motor controller continuously monitors switch signals to detect clicks and provides feedback control. When a click is detected, the controller increments the preset position counter and commands the motor to move the window to the new position. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate positioning and allows the system to adapt to user input reliably

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10774573B2Window control system
Publication Date: 2020.09.15 DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA INC
  • US10774573B2 patent drawing
  • US10774573B2 patent drawing
  • US10774573B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A window control system includes a switch and a motor controller. The switch is manipulated by an operator and transmits signals based on the manipulation. The motor controller receives signals from the switch, determines a preset position from the signals, and commands a motor to move a window to the preset position. The preset position is one of at least three preset positions either programmed by a manufacturer or customized by the operator.