Vehicle Door Simultaneous Movement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sliding door systems in vehicles require a distinct two-step operation for opening and closing due to the transition from a linear guide rail to a curved guide rail, disrupting the smooth movement and closure.
Innovation Solution
A simultaneous movement system for vehicle doors featuring outboard and inboard hinge arms, guide tracks, and a third curved guide track that allows for smooth and continuous articulation and sliding, eliminating the need for a door track on the class A surface and enabling synchronized movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear guide rail and curved guide rail are used separately for door sliding and articulating movements, then the door can achieve sliding and articulating functions, but the door movement becomes discontinuous requiring a two-step operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the linear guide rail and curved guide rail into a single integrated guide rail structure that provides both linear and curved portions. This merging eliminates the need for separate guide rails and the two-step operation, allowing the door to transition smoothly from sliding to articulating movement along the continuous guide rail path.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail incorporates a curved portion that enables the door to transition from linear sliding movement to arc-shaped articulating movement. This curved geometry allows the door to follow a continuous smooth path, eliminating the discontinuous two-step operation while maintaining the articulating function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guide rails are mounted on the vehicle body to enable door sliding, then the door can be positioned independently of adjacent structures, but the class A surface is disrupted requiring a door track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the door track from the class A surface by relocating the guide rail mounting to the rocker/sill area. This removes the visual and structural disruption to the class A surface while maintaining the door's ability to slide independently along the guide rail mounted on the rocker.
3Reliability
If a curved guide track is used to guide the door into closed position, then proper closure and sealing is achieved, but the door movement requires a distinct two-step operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the curved guide track function into the integrated guide rail structure, combining the sealing function with the sliding and articulating movements. The continuous guide rail path ensures the door maintains proper alignment and contact with the vehicle body throughout the entire closing operation, achieving reliable sealing without requiring a separate two-step operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A simultaneous movement system for a vehicle door includes a vehicle door having a door inner panel, first and second outboard members, first and second inboard members, first and second guide tracks, a third curved guide track, first and second points on the second outboard member, and first and second slide members. The first and second guide tracks are operatively mounted to the vehicle door. The third curved guide track may be operatively mounted to the vehicle door and is configured to receive a second point on the second outboard hinge arm. The first point on the second outboard hinge arm may be pivotally mounted on a second slide member.