Sliding Door Link Mechanism Regulates Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door structures in vehicles face challenges in suppressing deformation during side collisions without the need for a stopper structure at the end portion, which requires additional space and reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door structure incorporating a link mechanism and a movement regulating mechanism that uses fitting and engaging mechanisms between link arms and hinge bases to control movement and prevent deformation when a load is applied from outside the vehicle, eliminating the need for a stopper structure at the end portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stopper structure with engaging member and locking member is provided at the end portion of the door to suppress deformation during side collision, then the door rigidity is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deformation suppression function from the traditional stopper structure located at the door end portion and relocates it to the link mechanism. The movement regulating mechanism is integrated into the link arms and hinge bases, separating the collision protection function from the door structure itself and placing it in the sliding mechanism instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the movement regulation function with the collision protection function into a single integrated mechanism. The movement regulating mechanism, consisting of restricting portions on link arms and corresponding structures on hinge bases, simultaneously controls normal door sliding movement and prevents excessive movement during side collisions, eliminating the need for a separate stopper structure.
2Strength
If a stopper structure is added to suppress door deformation during side collision, then the door strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional reinforcement and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The movement regulating mechanism serves multiple functions: it regulates the normal sliding movement of the door during operation and simultaneously suppresses door deformation during side collisions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stopper structures and additional reinforcement, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining both operational smoothness and collision protection.
3Area of moving object
If the pair of arms is made long to assure wide door opening, then the door opening area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to larger pitch requirement between arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movement regulating mechanism that dynamically controls the link mechanism's movement. The restricting portions on link arms and corresponding structures on hinge bases allow the mechanism to adapt its behavior based on operational needs, enabling effective collision protection without requiring excessive arm length or complex pitch arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
To a pair of link arms, portions of a fitting mechanism that can be engaged with each other in a vehicle width direction are formed. Further, hinge bases that hold both ends of the pair of link arms rotatably can fit together in the vehicle width direction. By this structure, when a load is applied onto a sliding door from the outside of the vehicle owing to a side collision or the like, and a force is applied onto the fitting mechanism and the pair of hinge bases in the vehicle width direction and in the vehicle vertical direction, the portions of the fitting mechanism and the pair of hinge bases fit together, and the movement of the link arms to the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction is regulated. Thereby, the pulling deformation of the sliding door to the inside of the vehicle body is suppressed.