Vehicle Access Door Virtual Hinge for Bi-Directional Opening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle access doors often open in a single direction, which can obstruct access for passengers and may have an inconveniently located unlock button.

Innovation Solution

A hinged access door with a virtual hinge arrangement, featuring first and second locking arrangements with locking arms that can transition between locked and unlocked orientations, allowing the door to rotate open in two different directions based on user selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the access door opens in a single rotational direction, then the door structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the door obstructs access for passengers and has limited accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening direction flexibilityVSAvoidlocking arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the door in the closed position, unlock to allow rotation in either direction, and provide a virtual hinge axis. The first and second locking arrangements work together to enable the door to function as both a secured closure and a bi-directional hinge mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual hinge arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the door and the support structure. Instead of a physical hinge, the locking arrangements create a virtual hinge axis that allows rotational movement while maintaining secure attachment points, enabling bi-directional opening without requiring complex mechanical hinges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the unlock button is located at a fixed position, then the button structure is simple, but the button is inconvenient to reach for both driver and passenger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlock button accessibilityVSAvoidlocking arrangement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arrangements are positioned at opposite sides of the door body, creating local access points optimized for different users. The first locking arrangement with its unlock button is accessible to the driver, while the second locking arrangement provides access for the passenger, allowing each user to operate the door from their convenient position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking mechanism is segmented into two separate locking arrangements (first and second locking arrangements) positioned at different locations on the door. Each locking arrangement has its own unlock button, dividing the single locking function into multiple accessible control points distributed across the door structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250026276A1Access door with virtual hinge arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A hinged access door that can rotatably open in two different directions based on a user selection to provide access to a storage compartment, and more preferably, a storage compartment within a vehicle.