Vehicle Interior Fall-Away Door With Concealed Drop-and-Slide Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle interior components lack modern and advanced door opening mechanisms that complement the sophisticated electronic and luxurious features found in modern vehicles, with existing solutions failing to provide a high-tech or luxurious aesthetic.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior assembly featuring a door that moves vertically to a dropped position and then horizontally to an open position, concealed from view, utilizing a combination of guides, springs, and a motorized actuator for smooth and controlled movement, with sensors and latches for user-initiated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional hinged door mechanism is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aesthetic appeal and modern feel are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The door transitions from a simple planar hinge rotation to a three-dimensional motion path involving vertical dropping followed by horizontal sliding. This dimensional change in movement trajectory creates a dramatic visual effect that complements modern vehicle interiors while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through guide rails and actuators
2Extent of automation
If a motorized actuator is added to the door mechanism, then the aesthetic appeal and automation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening action is segmented into distinct phases: initial latch release, vertical dropping phase, and horizontal sliding phase. Each phase is controlled by specific components (latch mechanism, gravity/actuator, guide rails), allowing the complex motion to be managed through modular, independently controllable segments that reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism transitions from static traditional hinges to dynamic multi-phase motion. The system adapts its movement characteristics throughout the opening sequence, using different forces (latch release, gravity, motorized actuation) at different stages, creating a sophisticated yet manageable automated system
3Shape
If the door moves vertically to a dropped position, then the modern aesthetic and concealed appearance are achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Guide rails serve as intermediary elements between the door and the vehicle interior structure. These rails provide precise geometric constraints that guide the door through its vertical and horizontal motion paths, ensuring accurate alignment and concealed appearance without requiring extreme manufacturing precision in the door itself
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical hinge system is replaced with a guided motion system using rails and actuators. This substitution allows for programmable, precise motion control that achieves the desired concealed appearance through controlled movement rather than through precision-machined fixed hinges
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 assembly provides a modern and futuristic door opening mechanism that is aesthetically pleasing, offering seamless access to storage areas while maintaining a sleek, concealed appearance, enhancing the luxury feel of vehicle interiors.
Implementation Method 1
The door is configured to move under the influence of only its own weight from the closed position to the dropped position
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the movement from the closed position to the dropped position is damped movement
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior assembly includes a frame and a fall away door that closes off an opening in the frame when in a closed position. The door moves between the closed position and an open position via sequential vertical and horizontal movements. From the closed position, the door first drops vertically to a dropped position. A final portion of this vertical movement may be damped movement. From the dropped position, the door moves horizontally to the open position, at which the door is concealed from view from the exterior of the assembly. Various guides can be provided to define the movement path of the door. Various types of non-visible sensors can be used to detect a user's intention to open and close the door.