Hinged Vehicle Door Mechanism with Slides for Torque Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door mechanisms with automatic openers often require large motorized assemblies that occupy significant space, lacking efficient torque distribution for smooth door operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door assembly utilizing multiple slides and an actuator with a drive mechanism that rotates an idler portion, providing high torque for door closure and low torque for door opening, allowing for increased leverage and torque multiplication through a rotating bar and slides, enabling efficient door operation and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized assembly is used for automatic door operation, then door automation is achieved, but the assembly occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional motorized assemblies with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion from a smaller motor into high-torque linear motion, eliminating the need for large motorized assemblies while achieving automatic door operation. This mechanical substitution significantly reduces the volume occupied by the actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the actuation system by using a cam mechanism that varies the torque output throughout the door's travel range. The cam profile is designed to provide high torque during door closure and reduced torque during door opening, optimizing motor size and reducing overall system volume while maintaining automation capability.
2Force
If high torque is applied during door operation, then door closure force is increased, but torque distribution becomes uneven causing operational stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cam mechanism that continuously adjusts torque distribution throughout the door's motion cycle. The cam profile is specifically designed to provide variable torque: high torque during door closure to ensure firm sealing, and reduced torque during door opening to prevent slamming and reduce stress on hinges and seals. This dynamic torque adjustment ensures smooth operation while maintaining adequate closure force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism creates periodic torque variations that match the operational requirements of door opening and closing. By designing the cam profile to correspond with different phases of door movement, the system delivers appropriate torque levels at appropriate times, ensuring smooth operation throughout the complete door cycle while maintaining high closure force when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If torque multiplication is increased for better door control, then door operation precision is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door operation into distinct phases (opening, closing, latching) and uses a cam mechanism to provide optimized torque for each phase. This segmentation allows precise control of door movement through a relatively simple cam profile, avoiding the need for complex multi-component actuation systems while maintaining high operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the motor and the door, translating simple rotational motion into complex torque patterns required for precise door control. This single intermediary component achieves torque multiplication and phase-specific control without requiring multiple actuators or complex control systems, thereby maintaining mechanism simplicity while improving operational precision.
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 solution enhances torque distribution, allowing for smooth door operation, increased closing force, and reduced space requirements, while incorporating features like soft-close and speed-limiting mechanisms to prevent slamming and accidental collisions.
Implementation Method 1
A rotating bar is slidably coupled at a first bar end to the first slide between a plurality of first slide positions and operable at a second bar end about a bar hinge between door-closed and door-open positions
Implementation Method 2
A rotating bar is slidably coupled at a first bar end to the first slide between a plurality of first slide positions and operable at a second bar end about a bar hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door assembly includes a vehicle door having a door cavity defined between outer and inner panels. The door is rotationally operable about a door hinge. A first slide is coupled to the vehicle door. A rotating bar is slidably coupled to the first slide and is operable about a bar hinge between door-closed and door-open positions. The bar hinge is coupled to the vehicle frame and is distal from the door hinge. An actuator includes a drive portion coupled to a drive mechanism that rotates the actuator about a drive shaft and an idler portion rotationally coupled to the drive portion at an actuator pivot. Operation of the drive portion slidably operates an actuator end along a second slide defined by the rotating bar between a high-torque position that corresponds to the door-closed position and a low-torque position that corresponds to the door-open position.