Multi-Joint Slider Assembly for Smooth Motion on Curved Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slider devices for vehicle doors have limited degrees of freedom and smoothness of motion due to their linear rail design, which restricts the opening and closing of cabin doors, especially in vehicles with curved rail sections.

Innovation Solution

A multi-joint slider device with a center slider and two side sliders connected by joints, allowing for relative rotation, and a rail system with curved sections, enabling two-dimensional movement and smooth operation over curved rail portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a linear rail and linear slider are used, then the structure is simple, but the degrees of freedom of motion and mounting are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegrees of freedom of motion and mountingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slider is divided into multiple independent slider units (first slider, second slider, third slider) that can move relative to each other along the rail. Each slider unit has its own rolling elements, allowing them to independently navigate curved portions of the rail, thereby increasing adaptability without requiring a completely complex new structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-linear-motion-slider to a multi-dimensional system where sliders can move along curved paths in multiple directions. The rail is designed with curved portions that allow sliders to change direction, effectively adding dimensional flexibility to the originally linear system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a linear rail design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the opening and closing movement is not smooth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmoothness of opening and closing movementVSAvoidrail design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rail is designed with curved portions instead of purely linear sections. These curved portions allow the sliders to roll smoothly through transitions and changes in direction, eliminating jerky movements and improving the overall smoothness of the opening and closing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for dynamic adjustment of slider positions and orientations as they move along the curved rail. The sliders can rotate and reposition themselves to follow the curved path, enabling smooth adaptive movement rather than rigid linear motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sliders are connected with joints, then the freedom of motion is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of motionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple slider units are connected through joints to form an integrated multi-joint slider assembly. The joints allow relative rotation and movement between sliders while maintaining structural cohesion. This merging approach enables the system to achieve complex motions that would be impossible for individual sliders alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 multi-joint slider device enhances the freedom of motion and mounting, allowing for smooth opening and closing of cabin doors, even in vehicles with limited space, by enabling two-dimensional movement and accommodating curved rail sections.

Implementation Method 1

rollers mounted to the rails for rolling along the rails

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

front slider arranged in front of the center slider and connected thereto with a first joint to enable relative rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS9297192B2Multi-joint slider device
Publication Date: 2016.03.29 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9297192B2 patent drawing
  • US9297192B2 patent drawing
  • US9297192B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi joint slider device may include a center slider arranged at a center in a length direction thereof, the center slider having at least one roller, a front slider arranged in front of the center slider connected thereto with a first joint to enable relative rotation, the front slider having at least one roller, and a rear slider arranged in rear of the center slider connected thereto with a second joint to enable relative rotation, the rear slider having at least one roller, thereby permitting smooth rolling and sliding on the rail having a curved portion.