Vehicle Door Check Arm Holder with Variable Braking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle door check systems are inconvenient as they often do not provide sufficient room for entry or exit, can collide with adjacent vehicles, and may be difficult for certain populations to use, with limited user-selectable positions and potential for unintended door swings.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door control system with a check arm and holder that applies a variable braking force, controlled by a sensor and motor system, allowing for user-selectable door positions and preventing collisions by sensing initiation force and door position, featuring a non-backdrivable drive train for energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional door check systems are used to provide intermediate holding positions, then the door can be held at fixed positions for convenience, but the positions are either too close to the vehicle body (insufficient room for entry/exit) or too far outward (risk of collision with adjacent vehicles)
Solution Approach 1:
The door check system transitions from fixed holding positions to dynamically adjustable positions. The check arm holder can be positioned at any location along the check arm's travel path, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs and door positions rather than being constrained to predetermined fixed points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of check arm holder position from discrete fixed values to continuous variable positions. By allowing the check arm holder to be located anywhere along the check arm's travel path, the system provides infinite door check positions, enabling precise adjustment of door holding locations.
2Ease of operation
If door check positions are configured for easy use by certain populations, then accessibility is improved for those users, but the door becomes difficult to use by different segments of the general population
Solution Approach 1:
The door check system becomes universal by serving multiple user groups with different accessibility needs. The variable positioning capability allows the same system to accommodate users requiring doors held close to the body, users needing more space, and users with varying strength requirements, making it adaptable to diverse population segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different user requirements by allowing adjustment of the check arm holder position along the check arm's travel path, enabling the same door check mechanism to serve users with varying accessibility needs rather than being fixed for a specific user group.
3Ease of operation
If the door check system allows easy door movement, then user convenience is improved, but the door may unintendedly swing open and hit adjacent vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates force-sensing devices that provide feedback about user input forces. The controller monitors these forces and only commands the motor to move the check arm holder when the applied force exceeds a threshold, preventing unintended door movements while allowing deliberate user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by requiring a threshold force to be applied before any door check position changes occur. This prevents unintended door swings caused by minor forces or vibrations while still allowing intentional user actions to move the door to desired positions.
4Ease of operation
If a motor system with backdrivable drive train is used, then ease of door movement is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The door check system uses spring-loaded brake members that automatically engage with the check arm when the motor releases power. The springs provide the holding force without requiring continuous electrical power, allowing the system to maintain door positions passively while the motor only consumes energy during position transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the continuous electrical power system with a mechanical spring-based brake system for maintaining door positions. The spring-loaded brake members provide the holding force mechanically rather than requiring continuous electrical power, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining ease of door movement.
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 user-selectable door positions within a range of movement, preventing collisions and improving accessibility while maintaining energy efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
At least one force-sensing device is positioned to sense an initiation force being exerted on the vehicle door by a user
Implementation Method 2
The check arm holder is configured to apply a variable braking force to the check arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4a
AI summary
In an aspect, a vehicle door control system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a vehicle door is provided, and includes a check arm having an end that is mounted to one of the vehicle body and the vehicle door, a check arm holder at least a portion of which is mounted to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle door, and a controller. The check arm holder is configured to apply at least three different amounts of braking force to the check arm. The controller is programmed to control the operation of the check arm holder based on input from at least one sensor.