Composite Sliding-Swing Vehicle Door for Wider Van Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle doors, particularly in vans, face limitations in opening width due to the sliding method, which restricts spatial usability, and swing doors cannot be fully opened when adjacent to structures, affecting passenger and luggage access.
Innovation Solution
A sliding/swing composite door system that integrates both sliding and swing methods using a single outside handle, allowing the sliding door to open fully and then rotate the swing door for maximum opening width, utilizing a dual-operation handle mechanism with sliding and swing latch systems and rollers for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding door method is used, then the door can be opened in narrow spaces with smaller opening/closing necessity space, but the opening width is restrained compared to swing doors
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into two independent door panels: a sliding door panel and a swing door panel. The sliding door panel handles the initial opening in narrow spaces, while the swing door panel provides the additional opening width when needed. This segmentation allows each door type to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional sliding motion to a two-stage operation combining sliding (linear motion) and swinging (rotational motion). The swing door panel is hinged to the sliding door panel, enabling it to rotate outward after the sliding door opens, thereby adding a rotational dimension to the opening mechanism to maximize opening width.
2Length of moving object
If a swing door method is used, then the opening width is maximized, but the door cannot be fully opened when the periphery is close to a structure
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into two independent door panels: a sliding door panel and a swing door panel. The sliding door panel handles the initial opening in narrow spaces, while the swing door panel provides the additional opening width when needed. This segmentation allows each door type to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding door panel performs a preliminary opening action by sliding outward first, creating initial clearance between the door assembly and adjacent structures. This preliminary action enables the swing door panel to subsequently rotate open without immediate contact with obstructions, effectively preparing the space for the second stage of opening.
3Ease of operation
If a single outside handle controls both sliding and swing operations, then the operational convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outside handle is designed as a multi-functional control mechanism that can initiate both sliding and swing operations. The handle is mechanically linked to both the sliding door latch and the swing door hinge mechanism, allowing a single user input to trigger the appropriate door operation sequence, thereby providing universal control for both door types.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanisms for the sliding door and swing door are merged into a single outside handle assembly. The handle incorporates integrated linkages that connect to both the sliding latch mechanism and the swing hinge mechanism, combining what would traditionally be separate control systems into one unified interface for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding/swing composite door for a vehicle includes a sliding door, an outside handle located on an outer surface of the sliding door, wherein the sliding door is configured to be opened upon a first operation of the outside handle, and a swing door configured to be opened integrally with the sliding door upon a second operation of the outside handle, wherein the swing door is configured to be rotated and opened in a state where the sliding door is fully opened.