Pivotable Door Striker for Sealing Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door closure systems for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms to ensure secure coupling and sealing of doors, particularly in transitioning between open and closed positions, which can lead to inconsistent sealing and potential water intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A door system incorporating a striker that is pivotable between three predetermined positions, operated by an actuator and controller, to ensure secure coupling and sealing, featuring a cam system and worm gear mechanism for precise motion control, allowing for enhanced sealing force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch and striker system is used, then the door can be closed and latched, but the sealing force is inconsistent and water intrusion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The striker is designed to move between multiple positions (retracted, engaged, and cinching positions) rather than remaining stationary. This dynamic movement allows the striker to first engage the latch for secure coupling, then move to the cinching position to apply additional sealing force to the door seal, ensuring consistent sealing and preventing water intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The door closure function is segmented into distinct phases: door closing, latch engagement, and seal cinching. The striker system separates these functions by first positioning the striker to engage the latch, then independently moving to apply cinching force to the seal. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently for reliability and sealing performance.
2Reliability
If the striker is moved to ensure secure coupling and sealing, then sealing force is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The striker serves multiple functions: it acts as both the coupling element that engages with the latch and the sealing element that applies force to the door seal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for coupling and sealing, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliable door closure and consistent sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling function and sealing function are merged into a single striker component. The striker integrates the latch engagement feature and the seal contact surface, allowing both functions to be performed by one mechanism. This merging simplifies the overall door closure system while ensuring both secure coupling and reliable sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A striker system includes a chassis, a striker, an actuator, and a controller. The striker is pivotable relative to the chassis and configured to be received by and couple to a latch. The actuator is configured to pivot the striker. The controller operates the actuator to pivot the striker relative to the chassis in a range of motion greater than 60 degrees.