Dual Action Power Drive Unit for Vehicle Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle door power drive systems require two motors for swinging and sliding motions, making them complex, expensive, and space-intensive, limiting their application across various vehicle architectures.
Innovation Solution
A dual action power drive unit is integrated within the vehicle door, utilizing a motor, internal and external spools, and cables to achieve both door rotation and sliding motion with a single motor, reducing dependency on vehicle body architecture and optimizing space and manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two motors are used to achieve both swinging and sliding motions, then the door can perform both functions, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motors into a single integrated motor unit that performs both swinging and sliding functions. The motor assembly includes a motor body with a rotor that can rotate in different orientations, allowing one motor to control both door swinging motion and sliding motion through different cable mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform different actions. The motor can switch between driving the swinging motion (when the rotor rotates in a first orientation) and driving the sliding motion (when the rotor rotates in a second orientation), making one motor serve the dual purpose that previously required two separate motors
2Adaptability or versatility
If two motors are used for swinging and sliding motions, then both functions are achieved, but the space required on the vehicle body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates two motor assemblies into one compact motor unit, significantly reducing the space required on the vehicle body. The integrated motor design allows both swinging and sliding functions to be achieved in a more compact footprint, making the system more adaptable to various vehicle architectures with limited installation space
3Ease of operation
If two separate motors are used, then swinging and sliding motions are independent, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor assemblies into a single integrated motor unit, simplifying the manufacturing process. The unified motor design reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while still enabling independent control of swinging and sliding motions through different cable mechanisms
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 enables a compact, cost-effective, and modular motorized door system that can be used across different vehicle programs, improving manufacturing efficiency and space management by integrating the power drive unit within the door, reducing the need for multiple motors and accommodating various vehicle architectures.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is disposed proximate to the internal spool such that the motor is in operative communication with the internal spool. The motor selectively actuates the internal cable spool in a manner sufficient to pull the second cable toward the internal cable spool, thereby causing rotation of the external spool and the drive shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The external spool is in communication with an output gear affixed to a drive shaft. The motor selectively actuates the internal cable spool in a manner sufficient to pull the second cable toward the internal cable spool, thereby causing rotation of the external spool and the drive shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A power drive unit system includes a vehicle door, a slide member, a motor, first and second cable guide members, first and second cables, an external spool, a door inner panel and one guide track. The internal spool unit includes an internal spool. The motor operatively communicates with the internal spool. The first cable guide member is associated with a first cable and the external spool. The first cable is attached to the internal spool and the external spool. The second cable guide member is associated with a second cable and the external spool. The second cable is attached to the internal cable spool the external spool, which in turn communicates with an output gear. The motor actuates the internal cable spool to pull the second cable, thereby causing rotation of the external spool and the drive shaft. The rotation of the drive shaft results in rotation of the door relative to the body; after which the door slides open.