Spindle Structure Prevents Sway in Vehicle Sliding Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-rail vehicle door system lacks stability due to only one contact point in the load direction when a load is applied, causing the sliding door to sway and not being stably supported.
Innovation Solution
A spindle type structure is introduced, featuring a lower rail, a lower rail roller unit, a lower rail swing arm, a lower guide rail, and a spindle assembly with a threaded spindle that provides additional support points and frictional force to prevent sway, allowing the door to be stably supported with only center and lower rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If only center and lower rails are used to support the sliding door, then the number of components is reduced and vehicle weight is decreased, but the door stability deteriorates due to insufficient support points
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly introduces a third support point by extending support from the lower rail area toward the center rail area, creating a triangular support configuration. This dimensional expansion of support points transforms the door support system from unstable two-point support to stable three-point support, resolving the stability issue while maintaining the reduced component count of the two-rail system
2Device complexity
If two support points are formed in vertical direction, then the structure is simplified, but the door cannot be stably supported as it rotates about an imaginary axis connecting the contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into three distinct support points: two vertical support points (center rail and lower rail contact points) and one additional support point provided by the spindle assembly. This segmentation of the support function creates a stable triangular configuration that prevents rotation about the imaginary axis while maintaining relatively simple structural components
3Stability of the object's composition
If three rails are used to support the sliding door, then the door stability is improved, but the number of components increases and design freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly merges multiple support functions into a single integrated component. It combines vertical support, lateral positioning, and rotational constraint functions that would otherwise require separate components in a three-rail system. This merging achieves three-rail-level stability while maintaining the two-rail system's component reduction and design freedom advantages
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 spindle type structure effectively prevents door sway in both width and height directions by generating a supporting force through thread friction, ensuring the door is stably supported at three points even when opened or closed, enhancing design freedom and reducing vehicle weight.
Implementation Method 1
a thread frictional force is generated as a spindle moves in a threaded manner, a supporting force for supporting a door is increased
Data Source
AI summary
A spindle structure includes a lower rail mounted at a lower side of a vehicle body, a lower rail roller unit rollably connected to the lower rail, a lower rail swing arm rotatably connected to the lower rail roller unit and a door, a lower guide rail mounted on the door and configured to form a lower guide route, and a spindle assembly positioned at one end of the lower rail, the spindle assembly including a spindle connected to a fixing unit fixed to the vehicle body, the spindle having one end rollably connected to the lower guide rail, having a threaded portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and being configured to be movable in a threaded manner between the vehicle body and the door.