Vehicle Sliding Door Arm Power Connection Without Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door systems for vehicles require excessive space for door arm penetration into the vehicle body, necessitate power cables for operation, and lack efficient power connection mechanisms, leading to increased costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A sliding door device with a door power connection device mounted on the door arm and a vehicle power connection portion on the vehicle body, enabling electrical connection for power transmission without a power cable, reducing space intrusion and improving layout flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed sliding door arm structure is used, then the door can be opened and closed, but excessive space is required for door arm penetration into the side sill portion, increasing vehicle floor height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening and closing functionVSAvoidspace for door arm penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The door arm structure is changed from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable mechanism that can modify its penetration depth and angle. The door arm includes an adjustable arm portion that can be positioned at different angles and depths, allowing the system to adapt to varying spatial requirements while maintaining the door opening/closing function. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for excessive fixed space allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The door arm is divided into multiple segments including a first door arm, a second door arm, and an adjustable arm portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently, with the adjustable portion optimizing the penetration space by positioning only when necessary during the door operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If a power cable is used for power and signal transmission in power sliding doors, then automatic door closing can be achieved, but cost and layout configuration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic door closing functionVSAvoidpower cable component and layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power cable component is extracted and removed from the system entirely. Instead of using traditional power cables for power and signal transmission, the invention employs alternative mechanisms such as contactless power transfer or integrated power delivery through existing structural components, thereby eliminating the complexity associated with cable routing, connection points, and layout configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing structural components of the door system are designed to serve multiple functions, including power transmission and signal communication, without requiring dedicated power cables. This multi-functionality approach integrates several systems into unified components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic operation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual-type sliding compartment door without power cable is used, then cost is reduced, but power connection is not maintained after door is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reduction by eliminating power cableVSAvoidpower connection continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power connection system is designed to dynamically adapt to door position changes. The adjustable door arm mechanism maintains contact with power transmission points throughout the door's movement range, ensuring continuous power supply whether the door is open or closed. This dynamic power connection eliminates the need for power cables while maintaining reliability across all operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution eliminates the need for power cables, reduces the vehicle's step height, and enhances layout freedom by providing efficient power connection during door opening and closing, thus lowering costs and maintaining a flat vehicle body structure.

Implementation Method 1

a vehicle power connection portion provided in a position corresponding to the door power connection portion of the vehicle body and electrically connected to the door power connection portion according to rotation of the door arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical connection through rotation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11945289B2Sliding door device for vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.04.02 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A sliding door device for a vehicle includes a door arm including a first end portion rotatably connected to an end portion of the door and a second end portion movable along a side sill of the vehicle body, a door power connection portion provided in the door arm, and a vehicle power connection portion provided in a position corresponding to the door power connection portion of the vehicle body and electrically connected to the door power connection portion according to rotation of the door arm, wherein the vehicle power connection portion includes: a first vehicle power connection portion electrically connected to the door power connection portion when the door is closed, and a second vehicle power connection portion electrically connected to the door power connection portion when the door is opened.