Vehicle Door Connection Structure for Independent Sliding and Swing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pillarless vehicle doors face challenges in independent operation of front and rear doors due to fixed operation order and lack of structural reinforcement, making individual operation of doors impossible with a general hinge structure.
Innovation Solution
A door connection structure that enables dual motion of sliding and swing operation without electrical configuration, utilizing a door guide, hinge arm, catcher mechanisms, and springs to allow independent opening and closing of doors, regardless of pillar presence, through a combination of mechanical components like door hinge arm, catcher rotators, and spring support systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a general hinge structure is applied to pillarless doors, then the door can be hinged to the vehicle body, but individual operation of front and rear doors becomes impossible due to fixed operation order
Solution Approach 1:
The door connection structure is divided into separate functional components: a door guide for guiding the door in the longitudinal direction, a door hinge arm with hinge rotation shaft and door rotation shaft, a door hinge, and catcher mechanisms (first and second catchers) with springs. This segmentation allows the door to perform sliding motion through the door guide while enabling independent swing operation through the door hinge arm and catcher mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The door connection structure transitions from a static hinge to a dynamic system that can adapt between different motion modes. The first catcher rotates around the door rotation shaft during sliding motion, while the second catcher maintains a fixed state during swing motion. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to support both sliding and swing operations, enabling independent door operation without requiring complex additional mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a general hinge structure is applied to pillarless doors, then the door can be hinged to the vehicle body, but structural reinforcement is required to enable individual door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The door connection structure separates the guiding function (door guide) from the hinging function (door hinge arm and catchers). The door guide provides structural support for sliding motion, while the door hinge arm with catcher mechanisms provides the hinging function for swing motion. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional structural reinforcement by integrating both functions into a unified structure that works together to enable independent door operation
Solution Approach 2:
The catcher mechanisms act as intermediaries between the door guide and the door hinge arm. The first catcher rotates during sliding motion to guide the door, while the second catcher maintains a fixed state to provide structural support during swing motion. This intermediary function allows the structure to adapt to different operational modes without requiring additional reinforcement, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical operation configuration is used to enable dual motion, then door can be opened or closed by sliding and swing motion, but the system requires electrical power which may be unavailable when battery is discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The door connection structure uses purely mechanical components to achieve dual motion capability. The door guide guides the door in the longitudinal direction during sliding motion, while the door hinge arm with hinge rotation shaft and door rotation shaft enables swing motion. The catcher mechanisms (first and second catchers) with springs automatically transition between different operational states based on the door's position and motion type, eliminating the need for electrical systems and ensuring reliable operation even when the battery is discharged
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 independent operation of front and rear doors by dual motion without electrical operation, maintaining functionality even without pillars and without the need for separate electrical configurations, ensuring door functionality even when battery is discharged.
Implementation Method 1
a first catcher spring for elasticity supporting the first catcher in a direction opposite to a swing direction of the door when the door is opened
Implementation Method 2
a second catcher spring that elastically supports the second catcher in the swing direction when the door is opened
Data Source
AI summary
A door connection structure includes a door guide for guiding a door in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, a door hinge arm mounted on the vehicle body, and including a hinge rotation shaft and a door rotation shaft, the door hinge arm rotating around the hinge rotation shaft when the door is sliding, a door hinge rotatably mounted around the door rotation shaft and connected to the door, a first catcher rotatably mounted on the door hinge arm and of which a center striker guide is formed thereto, and a center striker which is inserted into the center striker guide to rotate the first catcher and limits rotation of the first catcher when the door swings so that the door swings around the door rotation shaft.