Window Edge Pressure-Sensitive Material for Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window systems lack effective methods to detect objects as they move to a closed position, risking pinching or entrapping objects and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-sensitive material, such as an electrically conductive cord with twisted strands, is disposed along the window edge and coupled to a control module, which monitors resistance changes to stop the window's movement when an object is detected, preventing pinching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a window moves to a closed position without object detection, then the window operation is simple and fast, but objects may be pinched or entrapped causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible pressure-sensitive material attached to the window edge. This thin, flexible material can conform to the window's movement while sensing external pressure from objects, enabling object detection without adding rigid or complex structural elements to the window system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical object detection systems with a simpler pressure-sensitive material that changes electrical resistance in response to mechanical pressure. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable object detection capability to prevent pinching and entrapment.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a pressure-sensitive material is added to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural element attached to the window edge and the sensing element for object detection. The material's inherent pressure-sensitive electrical resistance property enables detection without requiring separate sensing components, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive material is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural attachment to the window edge, maintains electrical connectivity through the door control module, and enables object detection through resistance changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If the window movement is stopped frequently to prevent pinching, then safety is improved, but the operation speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The door control module continuously monitors the electrical resistance of the pressure-sensitive material during window movement. When resistance changes indicate object contact, the system provides immediate feedback by stopping window movement. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while minimizing interruptions, as the system only stops when actually needed rather than operating on fixed intervals.
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
Effectively detects objects and prevents pinching by stopping the window movement, ensuring safe operation and reducing potential damage to the window or objects.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensitive material disposed on an edge of the window... detecting an electrical parameter using a pressure-sensitive material... the electrical parameter is resistance... a resistance of the pressure-sensitive material changes in response to changes in pressure applied to the pressure-sensitive material
Data Source
AI summary
A window system includes a window that moves between a closed position and an open position, and a pressure-sensitive material disposed on an edge of the window. An object detection method includes moving a window from a more open position to a less open position, and during the moving, detecting an electrical parameter using a pressure-sensitive material.