Vehicle Door Actuator Gravity Hold Open Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power closure member actuation systems for vehicle doors face challenges such as constant power draw leading to battery drainage when holding the door in a partially open position, and the need for mechanical brakes which increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a power actuator operable in both powered and not powered modes, allowing the door to be moved to a partially open position where it remains stable under gravity, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for mechanical brakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power actuator continuously powers the door check function to hold the door in a partially open position, then the door can be maintained in the desired position, but constant power draw leads to battery drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the door check function from the powered actuator system and implements it through a separate mechanical check mechanism. This allows the actuator to be de-powered while the mechanical check maintains the door position, eliminating continuous power draw while preserving position maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical door check mechanism serves itself by using gravity and mechanical friction to hold the door in position without requiring external power. The system becomes self-sustaining for the door check function, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a mechanical brake is added to provide the door check function, then the door can be held in position without power, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power actuator multi-functional by designing it to provide both door movement and door check functions through its existing mechanical components (leadscrew, drive nut, and friction characteristics). This eliminates the need for a separate mechanical brake, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to hold the door in position without power.
Solution Approach 2:
The door check function is merged into the existing power actuator mechanism rather than being implemented as a separate component. The friction between the drive nut and leadscrew, along with the actuator's mechanical design, provides the door check function, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system.
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 system effectively reduces power consumption by allowing the door to stabilize under gravity, eliminating the need for continuous power to hold the door open, and reducing costs associated with mechanical brakes.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot axis is selected to ensure the door remains at the partially open position whereat the door does not move towards the open position nor the closed position under an effect of gravity in response to the power actuator being in the not powered mode
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a door of the vehicle moveable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The system also includes a power actuator operable in one of a powered and a not powered. The power actuator is configured to move the door to a partially open position between the open position and the closed position in the powered mode and not move the door in the not powered mode. The pivot axis is selected to ensure the door remains at the partially open position whereat the door does not move towards the open position nor the closed position under an effect of gravity in response to the power actuator being in the not powered mode and the vehicle being on a surface being substantially level.