Sliding Door Drive Unit Fastening and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sliding door systems for motor vehicles face complexity in assembly and sealing issues due to the attachment of the drive unit to the vehicle body, leading to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact built-in module comprising a drive motor, gearbox, and deflection device is anchored to the vehicle using a single fastener that extends through a body opening, serving both as a fixation and sealing mechanism, with a two-part fastening system and sealing grommet ensuring secure attachment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive unit is attached to the vehicle body using conventional fastening methods, then the drive unit is secured to the body, but the assembly becomes complex and sealing problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function and sealing function are merged into a single integrated fastening means. The fastening means includes a fastening element that extends through a body opening and a sealing element that seals the body opening, combining two previously separate functions into one component system. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining both secure attachment and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the drive unit to the vehicle body while also sealing the body opening. The fastening element and sealing element work together as a multi-functional assembly, eliminating the need for separate fastening and sealing components.
2Strength
If multiple fastening points are used to secure the drive unit, then the attachment is more secure, but the assembly process requires more steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening and sealing operations are merged into a single assembly step. The fastening means is installed as one integrated component that simultaneously provides secure attachment and sealing, eliminating the need for multiple separate fastening operations and subsequent sealing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-integrated with the fastening element before installation. This preliminary integration ensures that when the fastening means is installed, both the securing and sealing functions are activated simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations after assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drive unit is protected from weather effects by fastening it inside the body, then the drive unit is protected, but sealing problems can occur at the attachment point
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical securing and environmental sealing. The sealing element integrated into the fastening means creates a weather-tight seal at the body opening while the fastening element secures the drive unit inside the protected body space.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary between the drive unit and the external environment. It is positioned at the body opening to prevent weather effects from reaching the drive unit while maintained by the fastening element, creating a protective barrier without compromising attachment security.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding door (1) for a motor vehicle (2). This door has at least one drive unit (4, 5, 6, 7). According to the invention, the drive unit (4, 5, 6, 7) is wholly or partially fixed to the motor vehicle (2) by means of at least one fastening element (12, 13) extending through a body opening (11).