Vehicle Sliding Door Support Apparatus with Pivotable Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding door systems in vehicles face challenges in providing stable support for smooth forward and backward sliding movements, particularly in vehicles with limited space, such as vans, where the door opening/closing mechanism requires efficient space utilization and stable operation.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door support apparatus comprising a rail system with pivotable and rotatable components, including a gas spring, that stabilizes the sliding door along the vehicle body, ensuring smooth movement by distributing the load through upper and lower support devices, allowing the door to slide stably forward and backward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding door support apparatus is designed for smooth forward and backward sliding movement, then the door operation becomes smoother and more stable, but the device complexity increases due to multiple support components and rail mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding door support apparatus is divided into multiple functional segments: an upper support device with an upper rail and upper slider, and a lower support device with a lower rail and lower slider. Each segment independently supports a specific portion of the sliding door, allowing the complex support function to be distributed across modular components that can be manufactured and assembled separately while collectively providing smooth and stable door operation.
2Reliability
If the sliding door system uses multiple support devices and rail components, then the structural stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is segmented into standardized upper and lower support devices, each comprising a rail and slider assembly. These segmented modules can be manufactured using standardized processes and then assembled together, improving reliability through consistent module performance while controlling manufacturing complexity through repetition of proven designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower support devices are designed as universal modules that can support different portions of the sliding door and be installed in various vehicle configurations. Each module serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling smooth sliding motion, and maintaining door alignment, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rail system includes pivotable and rotatable components, then the door can adapt to different positions and maintain stability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system incorporates pivotable and rotatable components that allow the upper and lower rails to dynamically adjust their positions and orientations as the sliding door moves. This dynamic capability enables the rails to adapt to different door positions and maintain optimal support geometry throughout the sliding range, improving adaptability while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
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 enables stable and smooth sliding door operation, enhancing marketability by simplifying the opening/closing process and optimizing space usage, while maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring connected to the slider to apply an external force to the vehicle door through the slider
Implementation Method 2
a rail of which one end is mounted to be pivotably movable to a vehicle body, a slider fitted movably along the rail and coupled thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding door support apparatus of a vehicle may include a rail of which one end is mounted to be pivotably movable to a vehicle body, a slider fitted movably along the rail and coupled thereto, and connected in a pivotably movable manner to a front lower portion of a vehicle door, and a gas spring connected to the slider to apply an external force to the vehicle door through the slider through an outer side along a width direction of the vehicle.