Door-Integrated Platform Unit for Accessible Vehicle Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with platform units for access are limited in functionality and design flexibility, particularly when integrating additional functions like mobility assistance, and face challenges in autonomous vehicles without human drivers to operate the platform units.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design where at least part of the flat platform unit is formed by adjustable, flat platform elements integrated into the vehicle doors, allowing for electronic control and varied positions to facilitate access, mobility assistance, and additional functions like a drone landing area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the platform unit is arranged entirely on the vehicle floor and stored when retracted, then the platform unit can be easily stored, but the design complexity increases significantly when additional functions are to be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the platform unit with the vehicle door structure, where the platform element is integrated into the door leaf or door frame. This combination allows the platform to share the door's structural support and storage space, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining storage capability when the door is closed or in neutral position.
Solution Approach 2:
The door structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a closure element and a support structure for the platform unit. The door can close the body opening while simultaneously providing mounting and support for the platform, enabling the platform to perform multiple functions including access facilitation, cargo handling, and potential drone landing without requiring separate dedicated structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the platform unit is integrated into the door, then the range of functions is increased and design flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity of the door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into functional zones: the door leaf or door frame provides structural support and mounting points, while the platform element is a separate but integrated component. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall structure by clearly defining functional boundaries and load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform element is designed to be adjustable relative to the door structure, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the platform position, angle, and configuration. This adjustability enables the platform to adapt to different functional requirements (access facilitation, cargo handling, drone landing) while the door structure remains relatively simple and standardized.
3Ease of operation
If the platform element is externally powered and electronically controllable, then the accessibility is improved for autonomous vehicles, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform element is equipped with external power and electronic control systems that enable it to operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The platform can self-adjust its position, configuration, and functionality based on electronic commands, making it suitable for autonomous vehicles where no human driver is present to manually operate the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform element's operational parameters (position, angle, configuration) are electronically controlled and can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific task requirements. This allows the platform to optimize its energy consumption by only activating and adjusting to the extent necessary for each particular function, rather than maintaining constant high-energy operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2F
AI summary
The proposed solution relates to a vehicle comprising - a body opening (O), which is closable at least in part by at least one door (1, 1A, 1B) in a closing position, and - a planar platform unit (P), which is provided to facilitate access into the vehicle (F) via the body opening (O) when the at least one door (1, 1A, 1B) is in an opening position. At least part of the planar platform unit (P) is formed by at least one adjustable, planar platform element (11, 11A, 11B), which a) forms a part of the at least one door (1, 1A, 1B) which in the closing position closes at least a part of the body opening (O), or b) in at least one adjustment position is fixed and/or supported on a component (10, 10A, 10B) of the at least one door (1, 1A, 1B).