Window Assembly Defroster Power and Drainage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle window assemblies with movable panes face challenges in reliably closing against seals and controlling compound movement, leading to issues with air and water tightness, noise, and vibration.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle window assembly that includes a guide rail with a flange defining a conductor chamber, where guide rail conductors and movable conductors are electrically connected to a defroster, ensuring power supply throughout the movement of the movable pane, and a drain passage with a circuitous fluid path to prevent contamination and reduce noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the movable pane is designed to move in compound motion to be flush with fixed panes, then the aesthetic appearance and space utilization are improved, but the reliability of closure against seals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motion parameters of the movable pane from simple linear movement to compound motion including rotation and lateral displacement. The pane moves through a controlled path that allows it to be flush with fixed panes while maintaining proper sealing contact through coordinated movement of multiple degrees of freedom.
2Volume of moving object
If the movable pane is designed to move laterally relative to fixed panes, then the space utilization is improved, but the control of compound movement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic movement control where the movable pane transitions through different motion phases. The compound motion path is designed to allow lateral movement into the opening space while maintaining controlled engagement with guide rails and seals, adapting the motion characteristics based on the pane's position during operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conductors are placed in the guide rail for power supply to the defroster, then the power transmission is improved, but the contamination from liquid flow path worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guide rail interior into separate functional zones: a liquid flow path for drainage and a conductor chamber for electrical components. This spatial segmentation allows liquid to flow through one designated path while electrical conductors remain isolated in a protected chamber, eliminating contamination risks while maintaining power supply functionality.
4Loss of substance
If the drain passage is directly aligned with the guide rail opening, then the fluid drainage is improved, but the noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the drain passage from a direct linear path to a circuitous route that travels through additional dimensions within the guide rail structure. The fluid is directed to flow along the sidewalls and through offset openings rather than dropping straight down, converting a high-velocity direct flow into a slower, distributed flow pattern that reduces impact noise and vibration while maintaining effective drainage.
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 solution ensures reliable closure and reduced noise and vibration by maintaining power to the defroster and directing fluids away from electrical components, enhancing the air and water tightness of the window assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the movable conductors are in contact with the guide rail conductors when the movable pane is in the closed position and during movement of the movable pane between the open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
a defroster... electrically coupled to the defroster
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a motor vehicle window assembly includes a guide rail, a movable pane movable along the guide rail between open and closed positions and a defroster. First and second guide rail conductors are carried by the guide rail and adapted to be connected to a power source. First and second movable conductors are each electrically communicated with a respective one of the first and second guide rail conductors, each electrically coupled to the defroster and each movable with the movable pane relative to guide rail when the movable pane is moved between the open and closed positions. To provide power to the defroster, the movable conductors are in contact with the guide rail conductors when the movable pane is in the closed position and during movement of the movable pane between the open and closed positions.