Vehicle Door Opening-Angle Limiter With Track and Locking Clamp
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door systems often result in damage to the door or adjacent objects when opened in narrow spaces due to inadequate protection, and traditional protective devices are aesthetically unattractive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door system with a track, clamp unit, and blocking member that limits the opening angle by allowing the clamp unit to move along the track in a first state and lock in a second state, preventing further opening when a predetermined angle is reached, using a spring arrangement and actuator for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional protective devices such as door bumpers or bumper guards are attached to the vehicle door, then damage to the vehicle door and/or adjacent objects is minimized, but the protective devices are aesthetically unattractive and non-efficient since they only protect a limited part of the vehicle door
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protective function from traditional external bumpers and integrates it into the door structure itself through the limiting device. The limiting device is built into the door assembly, eliminating the need for separate protective attachments while providing comprehensive protection along the entire door edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting device serves multiple functions: it limits the opening angle to prevent collisions, guides door movement through the track mechanism, and provides structural integration with the door body. This multi-functionality replaces the single-function traditional bumpers while adding aesthetic and operational benefits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a door brake or stopper mechanism is used to limit opening angle, then the vehicle door is prevented from hitting adjacent objects, but the device complexity increases and may interfere with normal door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting function is merged with the door hinge and track system. The track and clamp unit are integrated into the existing door assembly, creating a unified mechanism that guides door movement and limits opening angle without requiring separate brake or stopper components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement automatically positions the clamp unit along the track as the door opens, and the clamp unit self-locks at the predetermined angle through its interaction with the blocking member. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is used to prevent further opening of the vehicle door, then damage to adjacent objects is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced and repeated opening and closing may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp unit dynamically transitions between movable and fixed states. During normal door operation, the clamp unit moves freely along the track. When the predetermined opening angle is reached, the clamp unit automatically locks through its interaction with the blocking member, providing dynamic protection without restricting normal door use.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting device is pre-configured with the track and blocking member positioned to automatically engage the clamp unit at the predetermined opening angle. This preliminary arrangement ensures that protection is activated before any potential collision can occur, without requiring active control or user intervention.
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
Prevents vehicle doors from hitting adjacent objects by efficiently controlling the opening angle, allowing repeated opening and closing without damage, and eliminating the need for traditional protective devices.
Implementation Method 1
The system comprises a spring arrangement connected to and arranged between the clamp unit and the blocking member. The spring arrangement is configured for positioning the clamp unit in connection to the blocking member in the first state.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A vehicle door system for limiting an opening angle of a vehicle door, wherein the vehicle door is attached to and movably arranged in relation to a vehicle body structure between a closed door position and an open door position. The system comprises a track configured for being connected to the vehicle door, a clamp unit connected to and movably arranged in relation to the track, and a blocking member connected to the vehicle body structure, wherein the track is extending through the blocking member. The clamp unit is configured for being arranged in a first state where the clamp unit is allowed to move in relation to the track and a second state where the clamp unit is prevented from moving in relation to the track. In the first state when the vehicle door is moved from the closed door position to the open door position the clamp unit is configured for moving along the track. When the vehicle door in the open door position is positioned in a predetermined opening angle position, the clamp unit is configured for being arranged in the second state at a locked position in relation to the track preventing further opening of the vehicle door through interaction between the clamp unit and the blocking member.