Modular Vehicle Door Hinge Structure for Independent Double-Door Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passenger vehicle door systems often require both doors in a double door arrangement to be aligned and operated sequentially, which can hinder independent passenger egress and may lead to vehicle damage if not closed correctly, especially in vehicles without a B-pillar.
Innovation Solution
A modular individually operable vehicle door system featuring a hinge module with a cross-brace and embedded pillar structure, allowing each door to be independently opened and closed without latching to the other, with a latch mechanism on the vehicle body and a sealing system for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple doors are disposed at a single opening with latching mechanisms mating with each other, then a larger overall opening is achieved, but accurate alignment is required and doors must be closed in a specific sequence to avoid vehicle damage
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is extracted from the door-to-door interface and repositioned to latch each door independently to the vehicle body structure. This eliminates the requirement for precise door-to-door alignment and removes the need for sequential closing operations, as each door can be secured independently to the body without depending on the position of the other door.
2Ease of operation
If a double door arrangement is used without a B-pillar, then passenger entry and exit is facilitated, but structural support and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
An embedded pillar structure is nested within the door module itself, specifically integrated into the rear door assembly. This internal pillar provides the necessary structural support and rigidity to maintain safety standards while still allowing the double door arrangement to function without a traditional B-pillar, thus facilitating passenger entry and exit without compromising structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door system includes a door with a door module and a hinge module. The hinge module is attached to the vehicle body. The door module is attached to the hinge module. The hinge module includes a hinge bracket attached to the vehicle body, and a pair of arms extending from the hinge bracket that can pivot relative to the hinge bracket and a cross brace attached at the ends of the arms. The door module attaches to the cross brace. The door module moves along with the cross brace, which moves along with the arms as they pivot relative to the hinge bracket. The door module includes a latch mechanism at a bottom edge, with the latch mechanism engaging with the vehicle body. A lateral edge of the door may seal against a lateral edge of the second door without a latch interface.