Vehicle Window Assembly with Integrated Touch Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle window assemblies lack an integrated and efficient touch or proximity sensing mechanism for locking/unlocking functions, which are typically cumbersome and not seamlessly integrated into the window assembly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle window assembly with a sensing device disposed behind a glass window panel, featuring a non-light-transmitting ceramic frit layer with alphanumeric characters and icons, allowing light from the sensing device to pass through for touch or proximity sensing, enabling locking/unlocking functions through programmed sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a keypad is provided at the B-pillar for locking/unlocking, then the locking function is available, but the operation is cumbersome and not seamlessly integrated into the window assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is integrated directly into the window assembly, merging the locking/unlocking function with the window structure. The sensing device includes multiple sensors positioned at different locations on the window panel, allowing users to perform locking/unlocking operations by touching or gesturing near the window, eliminating the need for a separate B-pillar keypad and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly serves multiple functions: it provides both the structural window function and the locking/unlocking control function. The sensing device integrated into the window panel enables the window to act as a control interface, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles and improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If sensors are made visible on the window surface, then touch sensing is enabled, but the aesthetic appearance and integration are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device utilizes the existing non-light-transmitting ceramic frit layer at the perimeter of the window panel, which naturally provides a dark background suitable for sensor placement. The sensors are positioned within this frit layer region, allowing them to function effectively while remaining visually concealed or integrated into the perimeter design, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the window while enabling reliable touch sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic frit layer serves as an intermediary element that both defines the perimeter of the window and provides the background for the sensing device. This intermediary layer allows the sensors to be positioned in a functionally effective location while visually blending with the window's perimeter design, resolving the conflict between sensing reliability and aesthetic integration.
3Device complexity
If the sensing device is integrated into the window assembly, then seamless integration is achieved, but electrical connection requires additional wire harness integration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is pre-integrated into the window assembly during window manufacturing, before the window is installed in the vehicle. This preliminary integration allows the sensing device to be positioned and connected to the wire harness at the window level, simplifying the overall installation process. The wire harness connection is established at the window assembly stage rather than requiring complex integration at the vehicle assembly stage, making manufacturing easier while achieving seamless integration.
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
Provides a seamless and integrated touch or proximity sensing mechanism for vehicle doors, enhancing user convenience and security by allowing touch or gesture-based locking/unlocking functions without visible sensors, improving the integration of sensing technology within the window assembly.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted by an illumination source of the sensing device passes through the formed alphanumeric windows or apertures or characters and/or icons
Implementation Method 2
The sensing device includes a plurality of individual sensors that sense touch or proximity of a person's finger
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular window assembly includes a laminated glass window panel comprising an inner glass sheet and an outer glass sheet that are laminated together. A sensing device is disposed between the inner and outer glass sheets and includes a plurality of sensors and a plurality of illumination sources. With the laminated glass window panel disposed at a vehicle and when one or more of said illumination sources are activated, a person viewing the laminated glass window panel from exterior of the vehicle views one or more of a plurality of icons or alphanumeric characters illuminated by light emitted by the activated respective one or more of the illumination sources. With the laminated glass window panel disposed at the vehicle and when the illumination sources are not activated, the sensing device is not readily visible to the person viewing the laminated glass window panel from exterior of the vehicle.