Movable Door-Trim Panel Assembly for Side-Impact Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door-trim panels do not effectively manage impact energy during side impacts and do not adapt to the size of the vehicle occupant, potentially compromising occupant comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A movable door-trim panel assembly with actuators that adjust the panel's position in a cross-vehicle direction based on occupant size, using sensors to determine the necessary gap for optimal comfort and impact energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the door-trim panel is made fixed and rigid, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to different occupant sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door-trim panel is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a movable adjustable one. The panel can be selectively positioned in multiple locations along the door assembly using actuators, allowing it to adapt to different occupant sizes while maintaining structural integrity when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door-trim panel is made movable to adapt to occupant size, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is divided into separate components: a movable door-trim panel and a door panel, connected through support structures and actuators. This segmentation allows the trim panel to be independently positioned without redesigning the entire door assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Support plates and actuators serve as intermediary elements between the door panel and the door-trim panel. These intermediaries enable the movable functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If the door-trim panel is positioned closer to the occupant, then the occupant comfort is improved, but the impact energy management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door-trim panel position is dynamically adjustable based on occupant size and seating position. For smaller occupants, the panel positions closer to improve comfort, while for larger occupants or impact scenarios, it positions farther away to maintain proper impact energy management characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a door panel. The assembly includes a door-trim panel movably supported by the door panel. The assembly includes an actuator between the door panel and the door-trim panel. The door-trim panel is selectively movable relative to the door panel in a cross-vehicle direction by the actuator.