Vehicle Door Inhibitor with Trajectory-Based Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to prevent collisions between bicycles and vehicle doors, as existing solutions are inadequate in addressing this issue effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system is equipped with a rotatable door inhibitor that includes upper and lower stoppers, sensors, and processors to detect potential collisions by calculating the trajectory of detected objects and activating the stoppers to prevent door rotation when a collision is predicted, using linear motors or solenoids to compress rollers against an arm, thereby stopping the door's rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is made rotatable to allow normal operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of collision with bicycles worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting objects in the door's path using sensors and calculating trajectories before the door completes its rotation. When a collision is predicted, the stoppers are activated to compress rollers against the arm, preventing the door from rotating further. This proactive measure blocks harmful collision before it occurs while maintaining normal door operation for safe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibitor mechanism acts as an intermediary between the door and the external environment. The stoppers with rollers and springs serve as a mediator that can selectively engage to stop door rotation when needed, while allowing normal rotation when the path is clear. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by mediating between the door's rotational freedom and collision prevention requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If stoppers are added to prevent door rotation, then collision prevention is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The inhibitor mechanism is segmented into modular components: sensors for detection, processors for trajectory calculation, stoppers for actuation, springs for biasing, and rollers for engagement. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex system to be divided into manageable, independent parts that can be designed and maintained separately, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex continuous mechanical control with a simpler sensor-processor-actuator architecture. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages to control door rotation, the patent uses electronic sensors to detect objects, processors to calculate trajectories and predict collisions, and electric actuators (linear motors or solenoids) to engage stoppers. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic sensing and actuation reduces mechanical complexity while improving collision prevention capability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and processors are integrated into the door system, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors and processors operate periodically rather than continuously. The system cycles through detection, trajectory calculation, and collision prediction in discrete intervals, activating stoppers only when necessary. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and actuation, while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for collision prevention through regular sampling of the environment and door position.
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
The system effectively prevents door rotation and potential collisions by accurately detecting approaching objects and activating the stoppers, ensuring safety by discouraging door opening when a collision is imminent.
Implementation Method 1
an arm extending through a selective gate including: upper and lower springs respectively biasing upper and lower rollers against the arm
Implementation Method 2
the upper stopper comprises: (a) an upper linear motor or solenoid
Implementation Method 3
the upper stopper comprises: (a) an upper linear motor or solenoid
Implementation Method 4
upon activation of the upper stopper, the upper linear motor or solenoid extends the upper vertical actuator downward, which drives the upper brake against the upper roller
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a frame, a rotatable door; an inhibitor comprising: an arm extending through a selective gate including: upper and lower springs respectively biasing upper and lower rollers against the arm; upper and lower stoppers configured to, upon activation, compress the upper and lower rollers against the arm, thus stopping rotation of the door; sensors, processor(s) configured to: activate and deactivate the stoppers based on sensed events.