Motorized Movable Strike for Vehicle Door Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power door latch systems in vehicles lack an override mechanism for power failures, have limited adjustment capabilities, and insufficient travel distance, leading to difficulties in closing large doors and ensuring safety and ease of operation, especially in agricultural and construction industries where large doors with increased air pressure and seal requirements pose challenges.
Innovation Solution
A motorized movable strike system with adjustable linear movement, independent power supply, and safety features that allows door operation even without electricity, providing enhanced sealing and ease of use by extending the strike movement to accommodate larger doors and varying manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power cinching latch is used to close the door, then the door can be closed with reduced force requirements, but the door cannot be opened in the event of power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The strike is pre-positioned in an extended state before door closure, creating a mechanical advantage that allows the door to be easily pushed shut. This preliminary positioning of the strike component enables the door to engage the latch without requiring excessive closing force, while the mechanical linkage remains ready for manual override if needed
2Length of moving object
If the strike travel is limited to 6-8 millimeters, then the latch engagement is sufficient for small doors, but large doors cannot engage the strike without compressing door seals
Solution Approach 1:
The strike is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing its travel distance to be modified based on door size and application requirements. The strike mounting mechanism includes adjustment features that enable the strike to accommodate varying door dimensions, providing sufficient engagement distance for large doors while preventing excessive seal compression through controlled travel limits
3Ease of manufacture
If the strike position is fixed, then the manufacturing is simpler, but variances in manufacturing tolerances reduce the effectiveness of the powered strike
Solution Approach 1:
The strike mounting system incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow field adjustment of the strike position to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic adjustment capability enables proper latch engagement without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, balancing ease of manufacture with effective operation
4Length of moving object
If a motorized strike is added to extend door travel, then large doors can engage properly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the existing latch mechanism and the door, extending the strike's effective travel distance without requiring a fully motorized strike. This intermediary mechanical system amplifies the limited strike movement to achieve sufficient engagement distance for large doors while avoiding the complexity of a complete motorized actuation system
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized moveable strike assembly is provided for a vehicle door. The assembly includes a strike on the door post which is moveable by an electric motor between extended and retracted positions. A latch on the door releasably engages the strike. A switch in the latch sends a signal to the controller to actuate the motor after the latch is engaged so as to retract the strike from the extended position to fully close the door. When the latch is disengaged from the strike, the latch switch sends a signal to controller to actuate the motor so as to extend the strike from the retracted position to the extended position as to prepare for the next door closing.