Door Coupling Mechanism for Direct Longitudinal Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side collision safety structures for vehicles are complex and do not efficiently transfer longitudinal forces directly between doors, often relying on B-pillars which can delay force transfer in collision situations.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring first and second coupling members located at the rear and front edges of doors, respectively, with a hinge shaft forming a rotation axis, allowing for direct transfer of longitudinal forces between doors without passing through the vehicle body, and enabling easy release during door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If side collision safety structures are connected through the vehicle body (B-pillar), then the connection is stable and strong, but the force transfer is delayed and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the force transfer path from the vehicle body (B-pillar) and creates a direct connection between adjacent doors through coupling members. This removes the intermediate body structure from the force transfer path, enabling direct longitudinal force transfer between doors while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety structure is divided into modular portions in different doors, each with coupling members that can connect directly to adjacent door portions. This segmentation allows independent force transfer between door sections without requiring connection through the central vehicle body structure.
2Productivity
If coupling members are permanently fixed between doors, then force transfer is most efficient, but door opening becomes difficult and the structure loses adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members incorporate a release mechanism that transitions the connection from a fixed state (for efficient force transfer during collision) to a movable state (for door opening). This dynamic capability allows the same structure to optimize for both collision performance and normal door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members change their mechanical parameters (from rigidly fixed to movable/disconnected) based on operational conditions. During collision, they maintain fixed positioning for optimal force transfer; during door opening, they allow movement or disconnection to enable door operation.
3Strength
If complex connection mechanisms are used to connect door portions, then the connection is strong, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling members combine multiple functions into a single component: structural connection, force transfer, and release capability. By merging these functions into one integrated element rather than using separate mechanisms for each function, the connection strength is maintained while device complexity is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: providing strong structural connection during collision, enabling force transfer between doors, and allowing controlled release for door operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function.
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
This solution simplifies the connection of side collision safety structures, allows efficient transfer of longitudinal forces directly between doors, and reduces the time taken to respond to side impacts by positioning force transfer closer to the vehicle's lateral edge, potentially saving valuable time in collision scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge shaft, forming a rotation axis for opening of the second door
Implementation Method 2
when the first and second coupling members are connected, a force in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle is transferable from one of the first and second coupling members to the other
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1d
Figure 1e
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a connection arrangement (40) for releasable connection of a first (9) and a second portion (11) of a side collision safety structure (3) of a vehicle (1). The connection arrangement (40) comprises - a first coupling member (57), - a hinge shaft (65), forming a rotation axis (A1) for opening of the second door (7), - a body hinge member (61, 63), and - a second coupling member (67). When the first and second coupling members (57, 67) are connected, a force in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1) is transferable from one of the first and second coupling members (57, 67) to the other, the first and second coupling members (57, 67) further being releasable from each other by the rotation of the second coupling member (67).