Pillar-less Vehicle Door Sealing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles without structural pillars face challenges in mounting door and body hardware, and in sealing access openings effectively, especially in pillar-less configurations with multiple side doors.
Innovation Solution
A system with independently operable side doors, each equipped with latches and a retractable sealing device, which includes an actuator for sealing and opening the access opening, and a third latch for coordinating the operation of the doors to ensure secure closure and efficient opening, without relying on a B-pillar for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pillar-less configuration is used to provide an open space and flexible door arrangements, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to mount door and body hardware and to seal access openings effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The latch mechanism is integrated with the door assembly, and the seal is incorporated into the door edge rather than requiring separate mounting structures. This merging allows the door system to function without traditional B-pillar hardware mounting points while maintaining sealing and latching capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as the latch mechanism and seal that mediate between the door and body without requiring traditional pillar structures. These intermediaries provide the necessary connection and sealing functions that would otherwise require B-pillar hardware mounting points, enabling pillar-less configurations to achieve equivalent functionality.
2Reliability
If a retractable device is added to seal the access opening in pillar-less vehicles, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is merged with the door assembly rather than being a separate retractable mechanism. The sealing element is integrated into the door edge, eliminating the need for complex retractable sealing devices while maintaining effective sealing throughout door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed to provide its own sealing capability through integrated sealing elements that automatically engage with the body opening as the door closes. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional actuated sealing mechanisms, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling an access opening in a vehicle body includes first and second doors arranged to selectively open and close first and second portions of the opening. The system also includes first and second latches operatively connected to the first and second doors, respectively, and configured to selectively latch the first and second doors to and release the first and second doors from the body. The system additionally includes a device operatively connected to the first door and configured to be selectively retracted before at least one of the first and second doors is opened and protracted when the first and second doors are closed to seal the opening. Furthermore, the system includes a third latch operatively connected to one of the first and second doors and configured to selectively latch the first door to the second door and release the first and second doors.