Modular Vehicle Door Latch and Hinge for Misalignment-Tolerant Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passenger vehicle door systems, especially those with double doors, require precise alignment for proper operation, leading to issues such as passengers being unable to exit independently or risk of vehicle damage from improper door closure.
Innovation Solution
A modular individually operable vehicle door system featuring first and second vehicle doors with embedded pillar structures and a hinge module that allows each door to be opened and closed independently, without needing to align with the other door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple doors are disposed at a single opening in a double door arrangement, then the overall opening size is increased and passenger entry/exit is facilitated, but the doors require precise alignment for proper operation and cannot be opened independently
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into separate operable units where each door has its own hinge module and latch mechanism. This allows the first door and second door to be independently opened and closed without requiring both doors to be aligned or operated together, resolving the contradiction between large opening size and independent operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module incorporates a dynamic latch mechanism that can selectively engage or disengage based on the operational state of each door. This dynamic behavior enables independent door operation while maintaining the structural integrity and alignment requirements for the double door configuration
2Strength
If multiple doors are disposed at a single opening with latching mechanisms mating with each other, then the door arrangement provides structural support, but accurate alignment is required for the latching structure to operate as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module serves as an intermediary component between the first door and second door, providing a standardized interface that absorbs alignment tolerances. This intermediary structure maintains the structural support function while reducing the precision requirements for door-to-door alignment during manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling independent door operation, and accommodating alignment variations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating structural strength requirements with tolerance compensation capabilities
3Productivity
If one door is closed before the other in a double door arrangement, then the closing sequence can be simplified, but vehicle damage may occur if the wrong door is closed first causing the following door's structure to impact the previously closed door
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates feedback functionality that detects the operational state of each door and provides signals to control the closing sequence. This feedback system ensures that doors are closed in the correct sequence, preventing structural impact damage while maintaining efficient operation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the latch mechanisms and providing operational guidance before door closure. This preliminary preparation ensures that the first door to be closed is properly positioned and latched before the second door is closed, preventing harmful structural impacts
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door system includes doors with a door module attached to a hinge module, which is attached to the vehicle body. The door module includes a latch mechanism configured to engage a striker pin of the vehicle body, with a pawl that pivots to accommodate a misalignment with the striker pin during a door closing operation, with the latch mechanism shifting following engagement with the striker pin. A door check mechanism includes a permanent magnet and a steel plate. Activation of the permanent magnet shifts the steel plate from a closed position to an open position permitting the hinge module to move from a locked position. An interface between doors includes a primary and secondary seal each having a constant cross section, with filler pieces disposed between the door and the secondary seal along a portion of the interface.