Convex Door Flanges for Aerodynamic Side Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of passenger car side entry areas with convex door flanges limits space in the A-pillar and door catch area due to a flat bottom edge, making it difficult to arrange components and restricts the curvature of rear side windows for aerodynamic and design purposes.
Innovation Solution
The door flanges are designed with a convex shape from the outside, bulging inward at the center, with the front end of the foremost flange and rear end of the rearmost flange positioned further inside the vehicle, creating a concave appearance from the inside and allowing for a more aerodynamic and design-friendly curvature of the side windows without space restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the door flange is designed with a flat bottom edge for simple production, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the space in the A-pillar and door catch area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The door flange is designed with a convex curvature in its lower portion instead of a flat surface. This curvature allows the front end portion of the door flange to be positioned further toward the vehicle interior, creating additional space in the door catch area and A-pillar region while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized forming processes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the door flange is designed with a convex shape from the outside, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the door catch area space is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The door flange is designed with different geometric characteristics in different regions: a convex shape in the lower portion for aerodynamic efficiency, while the upper portion and specific localized areas are configured to provide necessary space for door catch components. This local differentiation allows both aerodynamic performance and component accommodation to be achieved simultaneously
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rear side window is curved further toward the rear for aerodynamic reasons, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but installation space becomes insufficient in the door lock area
Solution Approach 1:
The door flange is positioned further toward the vehicle interior at its front end portion, effectively utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the door structure. This repositioning creates additional space in the door catch area and allows the rear side window to be curved more aggressively toward the rear for aerodynamic purposes without compromising door lock area availability
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lateral entry zone (1) for an automobile comprising an automobile floor. The entry zone (1) includes a plurality of door cutouts, each of which has a door flange (VT, HT) for supporting an automobile door. The invention is characterized in that at least in a bottom portion (2, 3) of the door flanges that extends at least approximately parallel to the automobile floor, the overall shape of the door flanges (VT, HT) is convex when viewed from outside the automobile.