Sliding Door Drive With Spring-Biased Output Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for vehicle sliding doors struggle to securely hold the door in any desired opening position, especially on slopes, and lack flexibility in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a locking mechanism that includes a locking motor and a movable locking element, which can engage axially or radially with the output element to lock the door in any position, utilizing a spring-biased locking element and a worm gear system for power-driven adjustment and secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to securely hold the door in any opening position, then the door can be securely held even on slopes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated with the drive motor assembly, where the locking element is coupled to the output element of the drive motor. This merging of functions allows the locking capability to be added without requiring a completely separate mechanical hold-open system, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The output element serves dual purposes: it acts as both the drive output for door movement and as the locking surface for the locking element. This multi-functionality allows the same component to enable both door adjustment and secure holding, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
2Reliability
If a power-driven locking mechanism is used to hold the door in any opening position, then the door can be securely held on slopes, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes existing power-driven components (locking motor coupled to the drive system) rather than requiring purely mechanical spring-loaded holds-open systems. This integration allows for a compact design that can be manufactured as a unified assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with a spring bias that provides the holding force, eliminating the need for additional power consumption once locked. This passive holding mechanism after initial power-driven engagement reduces energy requirements and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to continuously powered systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the locking element is spring-biased for automatic engagement, then the door can be securely held without additional power, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased locking element automatically engages with the output element when the door reaches the desired position, without requiring additional control systems or power input. The spring force self-regulates the engagement, providing secure holding while minimizing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bias mechanism is integrated into the locking element itself, combining the holding force generation and the locking engagement in a single component. This integration reduces the need for separate springs, actuators, and control systems that would otherwise be required.
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 allows the door to be variably configured and securely held in any opening position, even on slopes, with a compact and cost-effective design that can be retrofitted, eliminating the need for additional mechanical hold-open systems.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is spring-biased and has a locking opening which is designed to correspond to a free output end of the output element, wherein in the engaged position the free output end of the output element axially engages in the locking opening of the locking element which is spring-biased in the direction of the free output end
Implementation Method 2
at least one drive motor with an output element rotatable about a rotational axis for adjusting the door
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (1) for a door (3), in particular a sliding door of a vehicle, comprising at least: - a drive motor (2.1) with an output element (2.2) rotatable about a pivot axis (D) for adjusting the door (3) between a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2), and - a locking mechanism (4, 40, 400, 4000) for locking the output element (2.2), wherein the locking mechanism (4, 40, 400, 4000) comprises a locking motor (4.1) with a movable locking element (4.2, 40.2, 400.2, 4000.2) which is adjustable by means of the locking motor (4.1) between an engagement position (E1) in which the locking element (4.2, 40.2, 400.2, 4000.2) engages with the Output element (2.2) is reached, and an out-of-engagement position (E2) in which the locking element (4.2, 40.2, 400.2, 4000.2) is out of engagement with the output element (2.2), wherein in the engagement position (E1) an output end (2.2.1) of the output element (2.2) engages in a locking opening (4.2.2, 400.2.2, 4000.2.2) of the locking element (4.2, 40.2, 400.2, 4000.2) and in the out-of-engagement position (E2) the output end (2.2.1) is out of engagement with the locking opening (4.2.2, 400.2.2, 4000.2.2).