Hinge-Based Door Control System with Adjustable Friction Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle door check systems are often inconvenient, as they either provide insufficient space for entry and exit or risk hitting adjacent vehicles, and existing infinitely adjustable systems are complex, prone to failure due to debris, and occupy too much space.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door control system with a brake mechanism that includes a plate pack with body and door brake plates, driven by a motor to selectively engage and disengage frictional resistance, allowing users to choose intermediate door positions between fully open and closed, with a control system to manage the motor's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional door check systems are used to provide intermediate holding positions, then door positioning is provided, but the positions are either insufficient for entry/exit space or positioned too far outward risking collision with adjacent vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The door check system transitions from fixed intermediate positions to dynamically adjustable positions. The brake mechanism can be controlled to engage at any door angle within the operating range, allowing the holding position to be dynamically selected based on whether priority is given to entry/exit space or collision prevention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infinitely adjustable door check systems are implemented to permit selection of any intermediate position, then door position versatility is improved, but the systems become complex, prone to failure due to debris, and occupy excessive space within the vehicle door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment mechanism from complex external components and integrates it into the existing hinge structure. The brake mechanism utilizes the hinge's natural movement and applies braking force at selected positions, eliminating the need for complex adjustable linkages, motors, or sensors that would increase device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The door check system utilizes the door's own weight and hinge movement to automatically engage the brake mechanism at selected positions. The system requires no external power source, control electronics, or complex actuation mechanisms - the hinge movement itself serves to engage and disengage the brake, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infinitely adjustable door check systems are used to provide intermediate positions, then door positioning flexibility is improved, but the systems are prone to failure due to contamination with debris
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism employs simple, robust friction-based braking surfaces that are inherently resistant to debris contamination. The design accepts that friction components will wear over time but compensates through simplicity and ease of replacement, rather than attempting to create a complex debris-proof mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If infinitely adjustable door check systems are implemented to allow selection of intermediate positions, then door position versatility is improved, but the systems intrude significantly on the restricted space available inside the vehicle door
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is nested within the existing hinge assembly, utilizing the space already allocated for hinge components. The brake plates and actuation mechanism are integrated into the hinge structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms that would occupy additional space within the door.
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
Enables user-selectable door positions with adjustable resistance, providing sufficient space for entry and exit while preventing collisions, and maintaining system reliability and compactness within the vehicle door.
Implementation Method 1
the plate pack is positionable in a braking state in which the body brake plates and the door brake plates are frictionally engaged with one another to provide a first resistance to relative rotation therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door control system is provided, and includes a body hinge member connected to the vehicle body, a door hinge member connected to the door, a brake and a control system. The brake includes a plate pack that includes a plurality of body brake plates connected to the body hinge member, and interleaved with a plurality of door brake plates connected to the door hinge member. The plate pack is positionable in a braking state in which the body brake plates and the door brake plates are frictionally engaged with one another to provide a first resistance to relative rotation therebetween so as to hold the vehicle door in a selected position, and a release state in which the body brake plates and the door brake plates provide a second resistance to relative rotation therebetween that is less than the first resistance.