Vehicle Window Short Drop via Electronic Latch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle windows with electronic latches face noise issues due to dragging on channels when doors open or close, potentially causing damage over time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a keyless entry system with an electronic latch that uses a low-frequency transmitter to authorize key fobs, ensuring the window is lowered enough to clear the channel before the door is unlocked, using a door control unit and body control module to manage the window position and unlock the door only when the window is clear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the door is opened or closed quickly, then the door operation speed is improved, but the window may still be moving and drag on the channel causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by lowering the window a predetermined distance before the door is opened or closed. The door control unit receives a signal to lower the window motor before receiving the open/close signal, ensuring the window is positioned clear of the channel in advance, thus preventing noise and damage while allowing quick door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by monitoring the position of the window through the window motor status and door control unit signals. The control system receives confirmation that the window has reached the predetermined lowered position before enabling the door to open or close, ensuring proper sequencing and preventing harmful contact with the channel.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the window is lowered a predetermined distance before door operation, then noise and damage are prevented, but the door operation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by lowering the window only a predetermined distance sufficient to clear the channel, rather than lowering it completely. This partial lowering action is exactly what is needed to prevent noise and damage without unnecessarily extending the door operation time, optimizing the balance between protection and efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a keyless entry system with electronic latch is used, then convenience and security are improved, but the system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into integrated control units. The door control unit combines keyless entry authentication, window control, and door latch coordination in a single integrated system. This merging reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function, while maintaining convenience and security.
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
Prevents noise and potential damage by ensuring the window is fully cleared from the channel before the door is opened or closed, enhancing the operational reliability and quietness of vehicle doors.
Implementation Method 1
The example body control module broadcasts a signal via a low frequency transmitter in response to receiving a request for authorization from the electronic latch
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for window short drop for a vehicle with an electronic latch. An example door of a vehicle includes a door control unit communicatively coupled to an electronic latch. The electronic latch, in response to detecting a user touching an exterior handle, requests authorization from the vehicle. In response to receiving authorization, the electronic latch sends a request to the door control unit to lower a window of the door. Additionally, in response to receiving a confirmation from the door control unit, the electronic latch unlatches the door.