Modular Vehicle Door with Removable Outer Panel

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle doors do not offer flexible configurations to provide varying levels of openness, limiting the user's experience in terms of air exposure and convenience during operation, especially in off-road vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A modular vehicle door system comprising an inner and outer module that can be coupled or decoupled, allowing the door to switch between configurations: a fully closed, partially open, or fully open state, with features like a hinged connection, latchable mechanism, and impact-absorbing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed door structure is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability of door configurations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor configuration flexibilityVSAvoiddoor structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly is divided into separate modules: an inner door module and an outer door module that can be coupled together or separated. This segmentation allows the door system to provide multiple configurations (both modules coupled, only inner module, or only outer module) while maintaining manageable structural complexity through standardized coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The coupling mechanism between inner and outer modules allows the door configuration to change based on operational requirements, enabling users to adapt the door assembly to different driving conditions and preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the door covers more of the door opening area, then protection and enclosure are improved, but air exposure and open-air experience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from elementsVSAvoidair exposure experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly is divided into separate modules: an inner door module and an outer door module that can be coupled together or separated. This segmentation allows the door system to provide multiple configurations (both modules coupled, only inner module, or only outer module) while maintaining manageable structural complexity through standardized coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The coupling mechanism between inner and outer modules allows the door configuration to change based on operational requirements, enabling users to adapt the door assembly to different driving conditions and preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10836240B2Vehicle door and door providing method

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a vehicle door changeable back and forth between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the vehicle door is provided by an inner module coupled to an outer module. In the second configuration, the vehicle door is provided by the inner module without the outer module. A door providing method includes providing a vehicle door in a first configuration using an inner module coupled to an outer module. The method further includes providing the vehicle door in a second configuration using the inner module without the outer module.