Straight Rail Sliding Door Guide Mechanism for EV Battery Space

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sliding door systems in vehicles require a large mounting space due to curved rails, reducing the side stiffness of the vehicle body and making it difficult to accommodate a battery, which limits the driving range of electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A guide mechanism for a sliding door with a straight rail mounted on the door and a hinge arm pivotally connected to the vehicle body, allowing the sliding door to move between fully closed and fully open positions using a motor module and transmission device, maintaining the rail inside the door to enhance styling and increase battery space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a curved rail is used to allow the sliding door to be flush with the vehicle body, then the sliding door can achieve proper positioning, but the mounting space increases and side stiffness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding door positioningVSAvoidside stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of curving the rail to achieve proper door positioning, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the rail straight on the door and using a hinge arm mechanism on the vehicle body to provide the necessary movement arc. This keeps the rail straight (maintaining stiffness) while achieving the same positioning function through the hinge arm's rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the guiding function into two separate components: the straight rail on the door and the hinge arm on the vehicle body. The rail provides linear guidance while the hinge arm provides the arc-shaped movement, separating the functions that were previously combined in a single curved rail structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a curved rail is used for sliding door movement, then the door can open and close properly, but the mounting space occupies battery installation area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding door movementVSAvoidbattery mounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the curved movement mechanism from the rail to the hinge arm, allowing the rail to remain straight and compact. This inversion enables proper sliding door operation while minimizing the space occupied on the vehicle body, thereby freeing up battery mounting area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional curved rail profile to a three-dimensional hinge arm mechanism that rotates in an arc. This dimensional change allows the sliding door to achieve proper movement while the rail itself remains straight and compact, reducing the footprint on the vehicle body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If a curved rail is used to guide the sliding door, then the door can be positioned correctly, but the manufacturing cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor positioning accuracyVSAvoidrail weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning function between the straight rail and the hinge arm mechanism. The straight rail is simpler and lighter to manufacture, while the hinge arm provides the necessary positioning accuracy through its rotational arc, dividing the complex curved rail function into two simpler components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the rail curved to achieve positioning accuracy, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the rail straight and using the hinge arm's rotational movement to provide the necessary arc-shaped guidance. This reduces the complexity and weight of the rail while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 reduces the weight and manufacturing cost of the rail, increases the battery mounting space, improves side stiffness, and enhances the driving range of electric vehicles by maintaining the sliding door's attitude and simplifying the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

The roller carriage includes a roller which rolls along the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

a hinge arm pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a first shaft pivotally connecting the roller carriage to the hinge arm, and a second shaft pivotally connecting the hinge arm to the vehicle body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS11499360B2Guide mechanism for sliding door

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A guide mechanism for a sliding door includes a rail configured to be mounted on the sliding door, a roller carriage configured to move along the rail, and including a roller bracket and a roller configured to be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket, a hinge arm configured to be pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a first shaft configured to pivotally connect the roller carriage to the hinge arm, and a second shaft configured to pivotally connect the hinge arm to the vehicle body.