Removable Vehicle Door Panel for Ingress Gap and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited interior space in modern vehicles, particularly due to the lower door trim panel under the armrest, restricts the opening angle of vehicle doors, making ingress and egress difficult in crowded spaces with obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door assembly with a removable interior door panel that includes various storage bin structures, secured using magnetic connectors or attachment tracks, allowing for increased space between the door and rocker panel, and a modification kit with interchangeable panels to customize storage options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a lower door trim panel with storage bins is installed, then storage capacity is improved, but the gap between the door and rocker panel decreases making ingress and egress difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The door trim panel is divided into a fixed upper portion and a removable lower portion. The removable lower panel can be detached when needed to increase the gap for easier ingress and egress, while remaining attached when storage is needed. This segmentation allows the system to switch between storage mode and access mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The door trim panel transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic removable structure. The panel can be easily removed and reinstalled, allowing the gap between door and rocker panel to dynamically adjust based on whether storage is needed or access is prioritized.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed door trim panel is used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility for different storage needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door trim panel is segmented into fixed and removable portions, with the fixed upper portion maintaining structural stability and the removable lower portion providing adaptability for different storage configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable lower door trim panel serves multiple functions: it provides storage when attached, enables easier access when removed, and can be replaced with different panels to accommodate various storage needs. The retainer mechanism universally secures different panel types.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic connectors are used to secure the panel, then ease of removal and installation is improved, but holding strength may be insufficient under heavy load
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines magnetic connectors with mechanical features (clips, tabs, or latches). The magnetic portion provides easy alignment and initial attachment, while the mechanical features provide additional securing strength to hold heavy loads securely in place.
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
Enhances ease of entry and exit by increasing the gap between the door and rocker panel when space is limited, and allows users to tailor storage options to meet specific needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one set of magnetic connectors having a first element carried on the receiver and a second element carried on the removable interior door panel wherein the first element is aligned with and attracted to the second element
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door assembly includes a primary door body having a receiver, a removable interior door panel and a retainer. That retainer secures the removable interior door panel to the receiver. A related method of enhancing the ease of ingress and egress from a motor vehicle is also disclosed.