Lower Gate Stopper Structure for Lateral Collision Incursion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tailgate structures lack effective mechanisms to minimize passenger injury and vehicle damage during lateral collisions and to support passenger entry/exit without interference.
Innovation Solution
A lower gate stopper structure with a protruding stopper unit controlled by a controller, which selectively extends based on the gate's open or closed state, incorporating a stopper gear, rack unit, and drive unit to absorb impact during collisions and prevent incursion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lateral side structure is constructed to minimize deformation of the vehicle body, then passenger safety is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate support structure is divided into multiple segments including the gate assembly, gate stopper assembly, and gate hinge assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for safety while maintaining overall structural integrity, reducing the complexity of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate stopper protrudes in advance when the gate is in the closed position to prevent incursion during lateral collisions. This preliminary protective action enhances passenger safety without requiring complex active control systems, as the protection is automatically positioned before collision occurs.
2Reliability
If a gate stopper structure is added to absorb impact during lateral collision, then passenger safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate stopper is designed to convert the harmful impact force during lateral collision into a beneficial protective function. By protruding to contact the gate and prevent incursion, the structure transforms collision energy into a safety mechanism, enhancing passenger protection without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate stopper assembly automatically positions itself based on the gate position. When the gate is closed, the stopper protrudes to provide protection; when the gate opens, the stopper retracts. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex sensors and control systems while maintaining safety functionality.
3Reliability
If a stopper unit protrudes when the gate is closed to prevent incursion, then passenger safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gate stopper assembly is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing the stopper to protrude and retract based on gate position. This dynamic adjustment ensures the stopper provides protection when needed (gate closed) while automatically clearing the path when the gate opens, maintaining ease of operation without compromising safety.
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 solution allows safe passenger entry/exit without interference and efficiently absorbs collision energy when the gate is closed, enhancing passenger safety and minimizing vehicle damage.
Implementation Method 1
a rack unit, which is connected to the stopper unit and which is moved longitudinally so as to cause the stopper unit to protrude
Implementation Method 2
a stopper unit adapted to protrude from an upper end of a groove positioned adjacent to an inner surface of a gate... capable of absorbing an impact in the event of a lateral collision of a vehicle
Implementation Method 3
the stopper unit may include a stopper gear engaged with the rack unit, and at least one stopper adapted to be rotated about the stopper gear
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment lower gate stopper structure includes a stopper unit configured to protrude from an upper end of a groove positioned adjacent to an inner surface of a gate, a rack unit connected to the stopper unit and configured to move longitudinally to cause the stopper unit to protrude, and a controller configured to selectively control protrusion of the stopper unit based on an open or closed state of the gate.