Flexible Single Piece Sliding Door for Shallow Vehicle Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding doors for motor vehicle compartments require complex movement mechanisms, expensive parts, and significant space, making them unsuitable for shallow compartments and certain vehicle interior locations.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, flexible sliding door supported by a track extending in an imperfect arc, allowing the door to move between open and closed positions by flexing, which reduces space requirements and simplifies manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional sliding door mechanism is used, then the door can open and close the compartment, but the mechanism becomes complicated and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible door body that can bend and flex to follow the arc-shaped track. The flexible material allows the door to achieve the necessary movement along the curved path without requiring complex mechanical joints, hinges, or linkages. This single-piece flexible construction eliminates complicated movement mechanisms while maintaining the door's opening and closing function.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional sliding door mechanism is used, then the door can open and close the compartment, but significant space is required for mounting and door travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing the flexible door to nest within the arc-shaped track when opened. The door body, when in the open position, follows the curved path and can be contained within the space defined by the track structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space required for door travel and mounting, allowing the door to be installed in locations with limited available space.
3Reliability
If expensive parts and time-consuming manufacturing methods are used, then the door can be manufactured, but the production cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by combining multiple functions into a single flexible door body. The door is manufactured as one integrated piece that simultaneously provides the sealing function, the structural strength, and the flexibility needed to follow the track. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate parts that would require assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by changing the physical parameters of the door material to achieve the desired flexibility and strength. By selecting a flexible material with appropriate mechanical properties, the door can be molded into the required shape and follow the arc-shaped track without requiring complex mechanical components. This parameter change in material properties simplifies manufacturing while ensuring the door's functionality.
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 flexible door assembly efficiently uses space, simplifies manufacturing, and accommodates shallow compartments, providing a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for vehicle interior features.
Implementation Method 1
The door is moveable through the imperfect arc by flexing of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A door assembly for a vehicle interior opening includes a track extending in an imperfect arc and a door supported by the track and slidable therealong through the imperfect arc. The door comprises a single piece, flexible body, having a plurality of crests defining generally planar surfaces extending parallel to each other in a lateral direction. The crests are joined together by respective ones of a plurality of troughs coupled therebetween.