Motor Vehicle Door Actuator with Segmented Sliding Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door installation devices are often complex and require significant effort to continuously monitor the door's position, which can lead to inefficient and energy-intensive operation.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle door installation device featuring an electrical drive and adjustment mechanism, where the adjustment is split into two parts with a drive area and a sliding element, and integrated sensors monitor the movement, allowing for secure and energy-efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a complex door stay or ejector device is used to open the door, then the door can be opened at least partially, but the design becomes complex and monitoring the actuating movement requires considerable effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening capabilityVSAvoidactuating mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating means is divided into two independent parts: a drive region that provides the actuating force and a sliding element that contacts the door. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall monitoring system, as only the movement of the sliding element needs to be detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding element is extracted as a separate, movable component that can be monitored independently by the sensor. This extraction allows the monitoring function to be simplified to only track the position of the sliding element rather than monitoring the entire complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring of the actuating movement is implemented, then the door position can be tracked, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor position monitoringVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is integrated into the actuating means itself, allowing it to monitor its own position and movement. This self-monitoring capability provides reliable door position tracking while consuming minimal energy, as the system only activates monitoring when the actuating means is in motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor provides continuous feedback on the position of the sliding element, enabling the control system to respond to the actual door opening progress. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable monitoring while allowing the system to stop or adjust operation based on real-time position information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the actuating means is integrated into the body, then the door can be opened safely, but the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafe door openingVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding element is nested within the actuating means, moving in a guide channel that is part of the drive region. This nested arrangement allows the actuating means to be compactly integrated into the vehicle body while maintaining the ability to provide safe and controlled door opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables safe and energy-efficient setup of motor vehicle doors, allowing for continuous recording of positioning movements while minimizing energy consumption and preventing operator disability.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor (19) is integrated into the actuating means (4) to detect the movement of the sliding element (17)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

comprising an electric drive (2) and an actuating means (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric drive:

Data Source

PatentEP3697999B1Actuaton device for a motor vehicle door
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KIEKERT AG
  • EP3697999B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is an opening apparatus (1) for a motor vehicle (23), having an electric drive (2) and an actuating means (4), wherein the actuating means (4) can be adjusted by means of the drive (2) and wherein the motor vehicle door (23) can be opened by means of the actuating means (4) and at least one sensor (19) for detecting the actuating movement (S), wherein continuous detection of the actuating movement (S) can be rendered possible by means of the sensor (19).