Sliding Door Centering Contact Assembly for Faster Vehicle Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door centralizers and electrical contactors for motor vehicles are costly, complex, and have long installation times, with multiple components that complicate centering and electrical supply functions.

Innovation Solution

A centering device integrating both centralizer and electrical contactor functions, featuring a female centralizer with an elastic return mechanism and integrated electrical contacts, allowing for simultaneous door centering and power supply through a single device with reduced components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate centering devices and electrical contactors are used, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity and installation time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the centering device and electrical contactor into a single integrated unit. The contactor housing is merged with the centering device body, and the electrical contacts are positioned within the same structural assembly that performs door centering. This integration reduces the total number of separate components while ensuring both functions work together reliably during door closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it centers the door in the transverse direction, provides electrical power to the door, and absorbs vibration forces. The same structural assembly that aligns the door also houses the electrical contactor, making the device universal and multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for centering and electrical supply, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the installation time and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The centering device and electrical contactor are merged into a single integrated assembly that is installed as one unit. The contactor housing forms part of the centering device structure, and both functions are activated simultaneously during door closure, eliminating the need for separate installation steps for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional separate centering devices and contactors are used, then each function is performed by dedicated components, but the overall cost increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated function performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the centering device and electrical contactor into a single integrated unit, reducing the total component count. The contactor housing is integrated with the centering device body, and electrical contacts are positioned within the same assembly, thereby reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing and assembling multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple components are positioned for centering and electrical supply, then each component can be precisely positioned, but the assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioning precisionVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated design allows both centering and electrical contact functions to be achieved through a single positioning action. The door closure movement simultaneously activates the centering mechanism and closes the electrical contacts, eliminating the need for separate precise positioning steps for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution reduces costs and assembly time, improves perceived quality by combining functions into a single device, ensuring reliable electrical connection and door centering while minimizing component count.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic return means intended to press the first and second electrical contacts against each other when the sliding door is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3805502B1Centring device for a sliding door

Publication Date: 2024.09.04 RENAULT SA

Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~4a

AI summary

Female centering device (2) or male centering device (4) for a centering device for a sliding door, in particular for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one male part (6) of an electrical contactor comprising at least one first electrical contact (29) or one female part (8) of an electrical contactor comprising at least one second electrical contact (39), at least said at least one first electrical contact (29) or said at least one second electrical contact (39) being integrated into said centering device.