Load-Balanced Cam Slider Assembly for Consistent Door Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door check systems in vehicles require frequent maintenance due to their complex component structure, particularly the springs, which apply non-uniform forces and wear out quickly, leading to inadequate door holding as they age.

Innovation Solution

A load balanced cam slider assembly using a single elastomeric band as a compression member to bias the cam surfaces, allowing them to float within a housing, reducing the number of components and ensuring equal load distribution, thereby enhancing reliability and ease of maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two distinct springs are used to bias cam members, then the door check can establish intermediate positions, but the force application to the rod becomes non-uniform and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor holding consistencyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate springs into a single elastomeric band that wraps around both cam members. This single compression member provides uniform biasing force to both cam members simultaneously, eliminating the non-uniform force application problem while reducing the total number of components. The band is tensioned to engage both cam members, ensuring they are biased equally toward the rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric band is segmented into multiple engagement points where it contacts the cam members. The band wraps around the cam members and can be tensioned at different locations to provide distributed, uniform force application across both cam members, rather than concentrating force at a single point as traditional springs would.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If springs are arranged in a sealed housing, then the door check structure is compact, but repair becomes difficult and maintenance cycles are shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing sizeVSAvoidspring replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric band is designed to be removable from the housing without disassembling the housing structure. The band can be extracted by releasing its tension and removing it from around the cam members, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance while keeping the housing compact and sealed during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric band is designed to be easily replaceable by the end user without requiring specialized tools or housing disassembly. The simple band structure allows for quick removal and installation, enabling self-service maintenance and extending the time between maintenance cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional springs are used, then the door check can function, but the springs wear out quickly and require frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor check functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal springs to an elastomeric band, which has different wear characteristics. The elastomeric material is more resistant to fatigue and wear, providing a longer service life and extended maintenance cycles while maintaining the necessary compression and biasing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric band may be constructed from composite materials that combine durability, elasticity, and wear resistance. This composite approach allows the compression member to withstand repeated compression cycles and environmental conditions better than traditional springs, extending the maintenance cycle time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution provides a more reliable and durable door check system with reduced maintenance needs and improved door holding consistency by equalizing the load applied to the cam members, extending the time between maintenance cycles and lowering manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a compression member extending about the first body and the second body. The compression member biases the first cam surface towards the second cam surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250223856A1Door check system including load balanced cam slider assembly

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A cam slider assembly for a door check system includes a first cam member including a first body having a first cam surface and a first base surface, a second cam member having a second body including a second cam surface and a second base surface, and a compression member extending about the first body and the second body. The compression member biases the first cam surface towards the second cam surface.