Removable Vehicle Door Quick Connect Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for removable doors in off-road vehicles require complex removal and assembly processes, leading to increased operational costs and time, and do not efficiently adapt to different driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable vehicle door assembly featuring a gate subassembly secured by hinges and a latch, with an outer door subassembly removably attached via quick connect mechanisms and an electrical interface for automatic alignment and connection, allowing for easy conversion between door configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If secondary door structures are installed after the standard door assembly is removed, then the vehicle can adapt to different driving conditions, but the removal and assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is divided into two main segments: the gate subassembly (inner door) and the outer door subassembly. This segmentation allows the outer door to be independently removed or attached to the gate subassembly, enabling quick configuration changes without removing the entire door assembly from the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system transitions from a static fixed-configuration door to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The outer door subassembly can be dynamically attached or detached from the gate subassembly based on driving conditions, allowing the vehicle to adapt between enclosed and open configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary door structures are installed after the standard door assembly is removed, then the vehicle can adapt to different driving conditions, but the assembly process requires multiple steps including removal and storage of the standard door
Solution Approach 1:
The gate subassembly and outer door subassembly are merged into a single integrated door system that remains attached to the vehicle body. The outer door can be attached to or removed from the gate subassembly without removing the gate subassembly itself, simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate subassembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the inner door structure and the mounting base for the outer door subassembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage and handling of the standard door when installing secondary door structures.
3Ease of operation
If the outer door subassembly is removably secured to the gate subassembly, then the door configuration can be changed easily, but the connection mechanism must be reliable and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect mechanisms are pre-positioned and pre-configured on both the gate subassembly and outer door subassembly. Electrical interfaces and mounting points are preliminarily aligned, allowing the components to be quickly connected without complex alignment procedures during the actual attachment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Quick connect mechanisms act as intermediary coupling devices between the gate subassembly and outer door subassembly. These intermediaries provide both mechanical connection and electrical interface integration, ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible vehicle door assembly includes a gate subassembly including an electrical panel, latch handle and is secured by hinges and a latch to a vehicle static structure. An outer door subassembly is removably secured to the gate subassembly by at least one quick connect mechanism. The outer door includes a window assembly operable by the electrical control panel.