Door Seal Sensor Assembly for Pinch Detection and Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting pressure sensitive sensors on vehicles, particularly sliding doors, face challenges in ensuring proper sealing and reducing strain on electrical connections due to exposure and stress from door operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle body with a door opening periphery, lateral and upper sealing members, and connecting members that retain pressure sensitive components and wire harnesses, providing a secure seal and reducing strain on electrical connections by using flexible sealing members and rigid connecting members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are mounted at the door sealing location, then pinch detection capability is improved, but the sensors are subjected to stress and strain from door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensor mounting function into separate components: the pressure-sensitive component is mounted on the door seal rather than directly on the door or body, creating a segmented arrangement that isolates the sensor from direct stress during door operation while maintaining pinch detection capability at the sealing interface
Solution Approach 2:
The door seal acts as an intermediary component between the door and the vehicle body, housing the pressure-sensitive component within its structure. This intermediary positioning allows the sensor to detect pinches at the sealing location while the flexible nature of the seal and its mounting structure reduces transmission of operational stresses to the sensor's electrical connections
2Reliability
If sensors are located in the door sealing area, then pinch detection is enabled, but it becomes difficult to ensure proper sealing along the entire door opening periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The door seal is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary sealing function to prevent leaks and noise, and also houses the pressure-sensitive component for pinch detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive pinch detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function and sensor mounting function are merged into a single integrated door seal assembly. The pressure-sensitive component is embedded within the seal structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one unified element that simplifies installation and ensures both proper sealing and reliable sensor operation along the door opening periphery
3Reliability
If the door seal is rigid to maintain seal integrity, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but strain on electrical connections increases during door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The door seal is constructed from flexible material that can deform during door operation to accommodate movement and reduce stress transmission. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact and sealing integrity while absorbing operational strains, protecting the electrical connections of the embedded pressure-sensitive component from excessive stress
Solution Approach 2:
The seal material properties are selected to provide optimal balance between rigidity and flexibility - sufficiently rigid to maintain seal integrity and prevent leaks, but sufficiently flexible to reduce strain transmission to the electrical connections during door opening and closing operations. The material parameters are specifically chosen to dampen stress peaks while maintaining sealing force
Data Source
AI summary
A door seal and sensor assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes sealing members that can create seals between vehicle doors and the body of a vehicle. The assembly further includes pressure sensitive components that can detect pinching between vehicle doors and the body of the vehicle. The pressure sensitive components can be retained within retaining portions of lateral sealing members. Relatively rigid connecting members are used to connect the ends of the pressure sensitive components to corresponding wire harnesses. In vehicles that use a dual sliding door assembly, the assembly can be mounted around the entire periphery of an opening in the vehicle body.