Motorized Window Lifter Anti-Pinch Sensor Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing the anti-pinching function of motorized window lifter devices in vehicles face difficulties in measuring the pinching force when the height of the opening between the window glass and the upper frame is narrow, as it is challenging to accurately simulate and measure the force within the specified regulatory thresholds of 4 mm to 200 mm.

Innovation Solution

A measurement assembly comprising a sensor device and a connecting structure with a sensitive element and abutment element, where the sensitive element is movable with the glass and impacts an abutment element to simulate the pinching force, allowing for indirect measurement of the impact force and verification of the anti-pinching function within the regulatory thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a metal bar obstacle is used to test the anti-pinching function at a 4 mm opening height, then the test can verify the function at the lower regulatory threshold, but the measurement of pinching force becomes difficult and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepinching force measurementVSAvoidtest implementation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A force sensor is introduced as an intermediary element between the window glass and the metal bar obstacle. The force sensor accurately measures the pinching force by detecting the impact force when the glass contacts the obstacle at the 4 mm opening height, solving the measurement difficulty without requiring direct force application methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical force measurement with an electrical sensing system. The force sensor converts mechanical impact force into an electrical signal for precise measurement, enabling accurate detection of pinching force at narrow opening heights where traditional mechanical measurement methods fail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the opening height is reduced to 4 mm to test anti-pinching function at lower thresholds, then regulatory compliance is improved, but the measurement assembly becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-pinching function verificationVSAvoidmeasurement assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement assembly is designed with multi-functionality to work at both 4 mm and 200 mm opening heights using the same basic structure. The force sensor and metal bar combination can be applied universally across different opening heights, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems for each test condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the test parameter from direct force application to impact force measurement. By using a metal bar that impacts the glass at controlled velocities and measuring the resulting impact force with a sensor, the system can accurately test at 4 mm opening height without complex assembly requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables flexible and simple measurement of the pinching force, ensuring the anti-pinching function operates correctly by simulating the required conditions, including a 4 mm distance between the window end and the upper sealing element, while maintaining operational flexibility and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

the sensitive element is movable with the glass and impacts an abutment element to simulate the pinching force, allowing for indirect measurement of the impact force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3495793B1Test method for checking the Anti-pinching function of a motorized window lifter device and measurement assembly for implementing this method
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 FCA ITALY SPA
  • EP3495793B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3495793B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3495793B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To check the pinching force of a motorized window regulator (7) of a motor vehicle, a motorized window regulator (7) is controlled to move the glass (6) towards a position in which the glass (6) closes a window (5) of the motor vehicle and, when an obstacle hinders the translation, the window regulator (7) automatically reverses the direction of movement of the glass (6); At the moment of the reversing of the direction of movement, a sensor device (15) measures an impact force exerted on the obstacle; the sensor device (15) is fastened to the glass (6), whereas the obstacle is defined by an abutment element (62), arranged in a fixed position and aligned with respect to the sensor device (15) so as to be impacted by this latter.