Hinge-Integrated Power Assist for Vehicle Door Momentum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door power assist devices cannot overcome the momentum to open and close doors effectively at the hinge location and fail to provide adequate clearance sensing for obstacle avoidance within the confined space of a standard vehicle door.
Innovation Solution
A power assist device is integrated into the vehicle door hinges, using a controller and position sensors to monitor and control the door's movement, providing power assistance for opening and closing while ensuring clearance and proper latching, and incorporating a mechanism to prevent door slamming through controlled torque and detent settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power assist device is added to overcome door momentum, then door opening and closing capability is improved, but device complexity and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power assist device is integrated with the door hinge assembly, merging the power delivery mechanism with the existing hinge structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate mounting space and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the required power output to overcome door momentum.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for door rotation, delivers power assist to overcome momentum, and incorporates clearance sensing capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If clearance sensing is added to prevent door damage, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same hinge assembly that delivers power assist also incorporates clearance sensing capabilities through integrated sensors. This multi-functional design allows the system to both prevent door damage and provide power assist without requiring separate dedicated sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes sensor data and coordinates the power assist delivery. It receives clearance information from sensors and modulates the power output accordingly, enabling intelligent door operation without requiring complex mechanical sensing mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the power assist device is confined to standard door spacing, then package size is reduced, but installation space availability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The power assist device is merged with the hinge assembly that is already positioned within the standard door spacing. This integration allows the system to fit within existing spatial constraints without requiring additional clearance or modification to the door structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery mechanism is nested within the hinge assembly structure, utilizing the existing space efficiently. The components are arranged in a compact configuration that fits within the confined door-to-body spacing while maintaining functional effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of closing a vehicle door includes the steps of providing a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body, transmitting a door closing signal to a controller, identifying a current position of the door using a position sensor, closing the door using a power assist device powered from a hinge axis of the door, monitoring the door position during closing, releasing a catch of a latch mechanism when a latch striker of the vehicle body is partially received in the latch mechanism, and latching the door to the vehicle body.