Sliding Door Blocking Mechanism With Fuel Flap Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for locking sliding doors on motor vehicles require modifications when integrated with mechanical or electric sliding doors, and they fail to effectively prevent the sliding door from opening if the fuel flap is open, posing risks of damage or injury.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sliding door locking mechanism featuring a mechanical blocker and a mechanical feeler with a detection track for electrical detection, which integrates electrical control without modifications, using an electric sensor to inhibit the sliding door's operation when the fuel flap is open, ensuring compatibility with both manual and electric sliding doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical feeler is used to detect fuel flap opening, then the mechanical blocking function is achieved, but electrical detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical and electrical detection functions into a single integrated feeler assembly. The mechanical feeler with cam track simultaneously provides mechanical blocking through cable tension and electrical detection through the cam track's interaction with the electric sensor, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeler assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical detection of fuel flap opening, electrical signal generation via the cam track, and mechanical blocking through cable actuation. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both mechanical and electrical purposes.
2Device complexity
If the locking mechanism is designed for manual sliding doors, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but compatibility with electric sliding doors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with dual compatibility: the mechanical blocker and feeler assembly work with manual sliding doors, while the integrated electric sensor and cam track enable compatibility with electric sliding doors. The same basic mechanism adapts to both door types through optional electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is segmented into independent functional modules: the mechanical blocker/feeler assembly that works with any door type, and the optional electric sensor/cam track module that adds electrical detection capability for electric doors. This modular approach allows the same mechanism to serve both manual and electric door configurations.
3Measurement precision
If the electric sensor is exposed to the external environment, then detection accuracy is improved, but vulnerability to water damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric sensor is enclosed in a sealed housing that protects it from water and environmental damage while allowing the cam track to transmit mechanical movement for electrical detection. The sealed enclosure maintains detection accuracy by isolating the sensor from harmful external factors.
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 effectively blocks the sliding door's opening movement when the fuel flap is open, preventing damage and ensuring user safety without requiring vehicle-specific modifications, and is designed to withstand environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a cam track (31) provided on the feeler (30), and the contactor (50) is arranged facing this cam track (31), to electrically detect the movement of the feeler (30)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle door blocking mechanism including: a mechanical blocking device arranged so as to mechanically block or release a movement for opening a vehicle sliding door; and a mechanical sensor arranged so as to detect opening of a fuel tank flap of the vehicle and to mechanically control the blocking device depending on the opening of the fuel tank flap. Said mechanism is characterized in that the sensor includes a detection strip arranged so as to enable the mechanical movement of the sensor head to be detected electrically.