Motor-Coupled Sliding Door Closure and Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door actuation systems require manual effort and operating forces to close and lock, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in applications like vehicles where space and weight are concerns.

Innovation Solution

An actuating apparatus featuring a motor-driven rotating mechanism with a driving element that selectively couples and decouples with a counter coupling element, allowing for automated movement of the sliding door to its closed and locked position, thereby reducing the need for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation and operating force are used to close and lock the sliding door, then the structure can be simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and requires significant manual effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of closing and lockingVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated rotating mechanism that can be driven by a motor. The driving element rotates to selectively couple with and drive the counter coupling element, automating the door closing and locking process without requiring manual effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating mechanism is designed to be self-locking in its second position, automatically securing the sliding door without requiring additional locking components or manual intervention. The mechanism serves itself by maintaining the locked position through its own structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional locks and strikers are used at the B-pillar, then the locking reliability is ensured, but the weight and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidweight of sliding door system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional lock and striker components from the B-pillar area. The rotating mechanism with driving and counter coupling elements replaces these separate locking components, reducing the overall weight and space requirements while maintaining locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the closing and locking functions into a single integrated rotating mechanism. The driving element and counter coupling element work together as one system, combining multiple functions that were previously performed by separate components into a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If multiple solid locks are used to secure the sliding door, then the locking strength is improved, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking strengthVSAvoidnumber of locking components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single rotating mechanism. The driving element selectively couples with the counter coupling element to provide secure locking, replacing multiple separate locks with one integrated system that maintains or improves locking strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both the closing mechanism and the locking mechanism. The same rotating element that moves the door also provides the locking action through selective coupling, eliminating the need for separate locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If automated actuation is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and need for electric wiring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of door closingVSAvoidelectrical wiring requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a motor-driven rotating mechanism to automate the door closing process. The motor can be selectively activated to rotate the driving element, which then automatically couples with and drives the counter coupling element to close and lock the door without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250154804A1Actuating apparatus for a sliding door, a sliding door arrangement for a vehicle, and a method for actuating a sliding door

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An actuating apparatus for a sliding door comprises: a motor-driven rotating mechanism comprising a driving element arranged to be selectively moved between a first position and a second position upon rotation of the rotating mechanism. The driving element is configured to be selectively coupled with or decoupled from a counter coupling element of the sliding door when in the first position. The driving element is configured to drive the counter coupling element coupled therewith upon rotation of the rotating mechanism at least from the first position to the second position corresponding to a closing position or locking position of the sliding door.