Vehicle Door Presenting Actuator for Icy Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door presenting systems for vehicles, especially in the aftermarket hot rod industry, face issues such as squeaks, wear marks, uncontrolled door opening due to lack of restraint, and inability to present doors in icy conditions, as they rely on spring-loaded mechanisms that are continually engaged with the vehicle body.

Innovation Solution

A door presenting system that uses a presenting actuator to push the door to an ajar position in response to detected motion, with a separate door checker mechanically holding the door in place, and an electric motor-driven presenting actuator that applies force to break ice and prevent uncontrolled opening, while being integrated with the latching assembly to avoid complex sequencing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spring-loaded door popper is continually engaged with the vehicle body to push the door ajar, then the door can be presented to the user, but this creates squeaks and wear marks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor presentationVSAvoidsqueaks and wear marks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The presenting actuator is activated only periodically when a door presenting signal is received, rather than being continually engaged. The actuator moves to the extended position to push the door ajar, then returns to the retracted position, eliminating continuous contact that causes squeaks and wear marks while still providing door presentation functionality when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If the door is unlatched remotely without restraint, then the door can be opened, but the door may swing open uncontrollably if the vehicle is in a downward orientation or canted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote door openingVSAvoiddoor position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

When a door presenting signal is received, the presenting actuator is pre-positioned to the extended position before the door is unlatched. This preliminary action ensures the door is immediately pushed to the controlled ajar position upon unlatching, preventing uncontrolled swinging even when the vehicle is in a downward orientation or canted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a door becomes iced over in cold climate conditions, then the door is sealed shut, but the door popper is not strong enough to present the door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor sealingVSAvoiddoor pushing force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the weak spring-loaded mechanical popper with an electric presenting actuator that can deliver substantially greater force. This electric actuator is capable of generating sufficient force to break ice sealing the door while maintaining the ability to provide gentle door presentation under normal conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If exterior door handles are shaved to provide a smooth vehicle body line, then aerodynamic drag is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but the door cannot be opened manually by pulling on the handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic dragVSAvoiddoor opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a presenting actuator as an intermediary mechanism between the shaved door handle and the door opening action. When a presenting signal is received, the actuator pushes the door to an ajar position, creating a gap that allows the user to insert a finger or tool to manually open the door, thus maintaining the smooth body line while restoring door opening capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a smooth door opening mechanism that prevents uncontrolled door movement, withstands icy conditions, and reduces wear and noise, ensuring safe and efficient door presentation without the need for external handles.

Implementation Method 1

pushing the unlatched door to an ajar position with a presenting actuator... an electric motor-driven presenting actuator that applies force to break ice and prevent uncontrolled opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The unlatched door is mechanically held in the ajar position... engaging a detent of a separate door checker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3430217B1Door presenting system and method of operating same

Publication Date: 2022.01.19 MULTIMATIC INC(CA)

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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A method of operating a vehicle door includes the step of pushing an unlatched door to an ajar position. The unlatched door is mechanically held in the ajar position. In one embodiment, the method is performed using a door presenting system that includes a door checker that is configured to hold a door in the ajar position. A presenting actuator is movable between retracted and extended positions. The extended position corresponds to the ajar position. A controller is configured to move the presenting actuator between the retracted and extended positions in response to a presenting signal.