Check Link Assembly Spring Biasing Door Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive door systems require manual effort to open, as they lack a mechanism to automatically transition from a closed to an open position without an external handle, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A check link assembly with a contoured surface and spring mechanism is integrated into the door system, allowing the door to automatically move from a closed to an open position upon release of the latch, eliminating the need for an outside door handle by utilizing springs that compress and decompress to vary resistance during door rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional door system is used, then the door can be securely latched in the closed position, but manual effort is required to open the door without an outside handle
Solution Approach 1:
The door system uses the door's own weight and the spring mechanism to automatically move the door from closed to open position after latch release, eliminating the need for an outside handle and manual pulling action. The check link assembly with contoured surface and spring biases the door open without requiring external user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded in the closed position to store energy, which is then released to automatically open the door when the latch is released. The contoured surface is designed in advance to guide the door through the opening motion and provide progressive resistance.
2Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is added to automatically open the door, then manual effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check link assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the spring mechanism for automatic door opening, provides structural support for the door, and includes the contoured surface that guides door motion and provides progressive resistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the spring mechanism, check link, contoured surface, and door structure into an integrated assembly. The spring is housed within the door structure itself, and the check link serves both as a structural element and a mechanical advantage device, reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If the spring is compressed to provide resistance, then secure door operation is maintained, but the door requires more force to open
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured surface is designed to provide progressive resistance rather than constant resistance. As the door opens, the contact point on the contoured surface changes, allowing the spring to decompress and reduce the force required. This dynamic resistance profile maintains security at closed position while facilitating easy opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring compression and decompression are dynamically adjusted based on door position through the contoured surface geometry. The spring is highly compressed when the door is closed (providing strong latching force) and progressively decompresses as the door opens (reducing resistance), changing the force parameter throughout the motion cycle.
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
Facilitates effortless door opening by using the spring mechanism to automatically move the door from a closed to a partially open position, reducing manual effort and enhancing user convenience while maintaining resistance control for secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the member into contact with the contoured surface
Implementation Method 2
the spring is operative to cause the door to move toward the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A check link assembly is operatively connectable to a door to provide resistance to the rotation of the door. The amount of resistance varies with the position of the door to provide at least one detent position. The check link assembly stores energy when the door is latched in its closed position, and is configured to release the energy when the door is unlatched so that the door moves toward its open position.