Vehicle Door Power Assist Cable Spool Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door power assist devices cannot overcome the momentum to open and close doors effectively at the hinge location and fail to provide adequate clearance sensing for obstacle avoidance within the confined space of a vehicle door.
Innovation Solution
A power assist device is integrated into the vehicle door, featuring a motor-driven spool system that translates rotational movement into opening and closing motion through a cable mechanism, coupled with sensors for clearance sensing and detent settings, allowing for controlled door operation and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power assist device is installed to overcome door momentum at the hinge location, then door opening and closing assistance is improved, but the device complexity and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A cable system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism connecting the motor to the door hinge. The motor generates rotational force that is transmitted through the cable to the hinge assembly, allowing power assist functionality without directly mounting complex mechanisms at the hinge location. This mediator approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The power assist mechanism is relocated from the hinge dimension to the door panel dimension. By mounting the motor on the door panel and using a cable to transmit force to the hinge, the system operates from a different spatial dimension, allowing for a more compact package that fits within standard vehicle door constraints.
2Reliability
If sensors are added for clearance sensing and obstacle detection, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated into the existing power assist device housing and control electronics. The same control unit that manages motor operation also processes sensor data for obstacle detection and clearance sensing. This multi-functional integration adds safety capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the power assist device is confined to standard vehicle door and body spacing, then package size is reduced, but the ability to overcome door momentum is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A high-torque electric motor is used to replace traditional mechanical power assist mechanisms (such as pneumatic or hydraulic systems). The electric motor provides sufficient force to overcome door momentum while maintaining a compact form factor that fits within standard vehicle door spacing, eliminating the need for larger mechanical components.
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 device provides efficient door opening and closing assistance, reduces damage from momentum, and ensures safe operation by sensing obstacles, all while fitting within the standard vehicle door and body spacing.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is coupled to the door panel and includes a drive shaft extending outwardly from the motor. A first spool is disposed on the drive shaft for rotation therewith as powered by the motor.
Data Source
AI summary
A power assist device for a vehicle includes a door is pivotally coupled to a vehicle body. A hinge assembly is coupled between the vehicle body and the door to define a hinge axis for the door. A motor is coupled to the door and includes a drive shaft extending outwardly from the motor. A first spool is disposed on the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A second spool is mounted on the hinge assembly at a spool axle. A cable is operably couples the first spool to the second spool and the motor is configured to drive the first spool in a rotational movement, and the cable is configured to translate the rotational movement of the first spool to the second spool. The movement of the second spool drives an opening and closing movement of the door at the hinge axis of the hinge assembly.