Vehicle Backdoor Four-Point Latching for Torsional Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle back doors, particularly those in SUVs, lack structural rigidity due to a three-point structure that is susceptible to torsional forces when locked, compromising the vehicle's overall responsiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
A back door assembly featuring a pair of hinges and a pair of latching mechanisms that form a four-point structure when the door is closed, with the latching mechanisms aligned vertically with the hinges, enhancing torsional and structural rigidity by providing additional bracing points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single lock and pair of hinges are used to secure the back door, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but the structure lacks torsional rigidity and structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The single latching mechanism is segmented into a pair of latching mechanisms (first and second latching mechanisms) positioned at different locations on the back door. This segmentation creates multiple connection points between the door and vehicle frame, transforming the three-point structure into a four-point structure that significantly improves torsional rigidity and structural stability while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanisms are positioned not only at different horizontal locations but also at different vertical heights on the back door. This vertical dimensionality addition creates a more robust three-dimensional connection structure with the vehicle frame, enhancing resistance to torsional forces and improving overall structural rigidity
2Strength
If the latching mechanisms are positioned close to the hinges, then the door is easier to secure, but the structural bracing effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the back door are assigned different functional qualities: the hinges provide rotational movement at the top, while the latching mechanisms provide secure locking at lower positions. This local differentiation of function allows the door to be both easy to operate (latches positioned within easy reach) and structurally rigid (latches spaced to maximize bracing effect)
3Stability of the object's composition
If a three-point structure is used with hinges and single lock, then the device is simple, but the vehicle frame lacks structural rigidity and responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functional elements of hinges and latching mechanisms into an integrated back door assembly system. The pair of hinges and pair of latching mechanisms work together as a unified four-point connection structure, merging multiple functions (rotation, locking, structural bracing) into a coordinated system that enhances overall structural rigidity while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A back door assembly includes a door; a pair of hinges that rotatably couple the door to a frame of the vehicle, the pair of hinges define an axis of rotation about which the door is rotatable; and a pair of latching mechanisms configured to secure the door to the frame, the pair of latching mechanisms are spaced apart from the pair of hinges in a vehicle vertical direction when the door is in a closed position, the pair of latching mechanisms are aligned with the pair of hinges in the vehicle vertical direction when the door is in the closed position such that an axis extending through the pair of latching mechanisms is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the pair of hinges.