Vehicle Door Partial-Opening System with Magnetic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated partial-opening systems for motor vehicle doors are prone to failure, leading to the door being stuck in an open or closed position and lack user control, with unstable partial-opening positions and unclear user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A partial-opening system with a magnetic or electromagnetic retaining device and an electric jack actuator, allowing the door to be manually operated and featuring a detection mechanism to differentiate between intentional and unintentional openings, ensuring reliable partial opening and automatic closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an automated partial-opening system is implemented, then the door can be positioned at a stable partial-opening position, but the system becomes unreliable upon failure and loses manual manipulability
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional parts: an automated actuating element for positioning and a manual operating element for backup operation. This segmentation ensures that failure of the automated system does not completely disable door operation, as the manual element can still function independently to open or close the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed to be movable between different positions (retracted and extended) and can be operated in different modes (automated via electric motor or manual via user input). This parameter changeability allows the system to switch between automated and manual operation modes depending on system status and user needs.
2Ease of operation
If a rack-type partial-opening system is used, then access to the passenger compartment is maintained, but the system lacks detection capability for user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
A detection device is integrated into the system to provide feedback about door position and user interaction. The detection device generates signals that indicate whether the door is being pulled by the user or is in a stable position, enabling the control system to respond appropriately and distinguish between intentional and unintentional openings.
3Extent of automation
If the actuating element is always extended to partially open the door, then partial opening is achieved, but the door cannot be closed in case of actuator failure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, capable of moving between retracted and extended positions based on operational needs. It can be extended for automated partial opening, retracted for manual operation, or positioned intermediate for complete closing, providing adaptability to different operational conditions including failure scenarios.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a magnetic retaining device is used, then stable retention is achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retaining device replaces traditional mechanical retaining mechanisms (such as latches, clips, or mechanical locks) with a magnetic field-based retention system. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while providing stable retention, as magnetic fields can hold positions without physical contact or complex mechanical linkages.
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 maintains the door in a stable partially opened position, allowing user control and preventing unintended openings or closures, while ensuring the door can be manually operated in case of actuator failure and providing clear user feedback through a light-emitting device.
Implementation Method 1
A partial-opening system with a magnetic or electromagnetic retaining device
Implementation Method 2
A partial-opening system with a magnetic or electromagnetic retaining device
Data Source
AI summary
A partial-opening system for a motor vehicle opening leaf includes an actuator having a fixed frame mounted on the opening leaf and an actuating element moveable between a retracted position in which the opening leaf is in a closed position, and a deployed position in which a free end of the actuating element is adapted to bear on the central pillar in order to partially open the opening leaf. The system further includes a device for retaining the opening leaf having a retaining end-piece arranged at the free end of the actuating element of the actuator and a retaining element adapted to be mounted on the central pillar of the vehicle, the retaining device adapted to maintain the opening leaf in its retracted position and to release the opening leaf in the case of an opening action on the opening leaf on the part of the user.