Dual Actuator Side Door for Rear Passenger Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicles do not facilitate comfortable entry and exit for all occupants, particularly rear passengers, due to the placement and accessibility of door actuating devices, which often require significant forward leaning or climbing to operate.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle design featuring a side door cutout that can be closed with both front and rear side doors, where the front side door is hinged at the front and the rear side door at the rear, with dual actuating devices: one easily accessible from the interior for opening the front side door and another, preferably behind the front side door, accessible for rear passengers, which also activates the front vehicle seat adjustments for easy exit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a second actuating device is added behind the front side door for rear passenger access, then rear passengers can easily open the door, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of second actuating device for rear passengersVSAvoidNumber of actuating devices and control systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second actuating device, while dedicated to rear passengers, shares the same control unit and door opening mechanism as the first actuating device. This multi-functionality approach allows one control system to serve both front and rear passengers through different access points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Both the first and second actuating devices are merged into a single control system that operates the same door opening mechanism. The control unit receives signals from either actuating device and triggers the identical door release sequence, reducing redundant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the front side door is hinged at the front and the rear side door at the rear, then both doors can be closed simultaneously, but the rear passengers still face accessibility issues with the first actuating device

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDoor closing configuration flexibilityVSAvoidRear passenger access to first actuating device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door system is segmented into front and rear side doors with different hinging configurations, allowing independent operation and closing. The actuating devices are also segmented by location, with the second device specifically positioned for rear passenger access without requiring forward movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2558313B1Motor vehicle comprising an actuator for opening the side door

Publication Date: 2014.12.31 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

It is known for two-door motor vehicles that the front vehicle seats can be slid forward and the backrest tilted forward in order to allow comfortable entry to the rear vehicle seats. Said functionality is generally described by the term "easy entry." The aim of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle allowing comfortable entry and exit for all vehicle occupants. According to the invention, a motor vehicle comprises a side door opening that can be closed off by a front side door. In order to open the front side door from the vehicle interior, the front side door has an actuator on the side facing the vehicle interior for opening the front side door. A second actuator is disposed in the vehicle interior behind the front side door, by means of which the closed front side door can also be opened.