Programmable Vehicle Door Power Assist with Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door assist devices lack the necessary momentum to open and close doors at the hinge location and cannot control door swing velocity effectively, leading to potential damage from rapid or forceful closure.
Innovation Solution
A power assist device is coupled to the vehicle door's hinges, featuring a motor controlled by a user-input device, allowing programmable control of door swing behavior and velocity, including soft close functionality to prevent slamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power assist device is coupled to the door at the hinge location to provide opening and closing assistance, then the door can be opened and closed under controlled power assistance, but the device must generate sufficient momentum to overcome door weight and friction at the hinge point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical door check systems with an electric motor (24) controlled by a controller (22) to provide power assist for door opening and closing. This substitution allows for programmable control of door swing behavior and velocity, resolving the contradiction by providing sufficient power through electrical actuation while maintaining manageable device complexity through electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements programmable parameters that allow users to control door swing behavior and velocity characteristics. By changing control parameters software-based rather than requiring mechanical reconfiguration, the system can adapt power delivery to match specific door weights and user preferences without increasing physical device complexity.
2Productivity
If the door is opened and closed quickly to improve ingress and egress speed, then productivity is improved, but the door may swing too fast and cause damage or safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of door swing velocity through programmable parameters that allow the door to swing quickly during normal operation for improved productivity, while automatically reducing velocity when approaching the closed position or when obstacles are detected. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing speed for productivity while preventing harmful high-velocity impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors (such as the 360-degree camera system) to monitor door position and surrounding environment, then adjusts motor control in real-time to prevent excessive swing velocity. This feedback mechanism allows the door to operate at high speeds for productivity while automatically correcting to prevent damage, resolving the speed versus safety contradiction.
3Measurement precision
If a sensor is located on the exterior surface of the door to detect nearby objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the sensor may not accurately determine if the object is within the door's projected swing path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point exterior sensors to a 360-degree camera system that captures images from multiple dimensions and angles. By processing images from multiple perspectives, the system can accurately determine whether objects lie within the door's projected swing path, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and positional accuracy through multi-dimensional observation.
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 power assist device provides controlled opening and closing of vehicle doors, reducing the risk of damage by managing door swing velocity and momentum, ensuring a consistent and user-customizable experience.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
limiting the velocity of the swing of the vehicle door when closing
Data Source
AI summary
A motor is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle. A controller controls the motor and a user-input device supplies the controller with one or more user-inputted selections for controlling a door swing of the door.