Integrated Swing Arm Unit for Vehicle Side Door Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing arm units for vehicle side doors are complex to install and not easily adaptable to various vehicle models, lacking a compact design and requiring external actuating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A compact swing arm unit with an integrated electric motor and reduction gear system mounted on the swing arm, using pivot joints and sprocket wheels with a flexible transmission member to pivot the side door outward and rearward, allowing for easy installation and adaptability across different vehicle models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuating means are mounted between the mounting bracket and the swing arm or between the vehicle body and the swing arm, then the door can be actuated, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and reduction gear system are integrated directly onto the swing arm itself, merging the actuating means with the swing arm structure. This eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms mounted between brackets, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining door actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm becomes self-actuating by mounting the motor and reduction gear system directly on it. The swing arm serves both as the moving component and as the carrier for its own actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for external actuation systems.
2Reliability
If a conventional swing arm unit is designed for specific vehicle models, then it can function properly, but it cannot be easily adapted to various vehicle models
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm unit is designed with universal mounting brackets that can be attached to different vehicle models. The integrated motor and reduction gear system on the swing arm allows the same unit to be adapted to various vehicle types while maintaining reliable door operation, achieving both reliability and versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the swing arm unit is designed with external actuating mechanisms, then the door can be actuated, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the motor and reduction gear system directly onto the swing arm, the number of separate components to be installed is reduced. This integration simplifies the installation process and reduces installation time while maintaining full door actuation functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the actuating means are mounted externally, then the door can be actuated, but the swing arm unit becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and reduction gear system are mounted within or on the swing arm structure itself, nesting the actuating means within the existing swing arm volume. This creates a compact integrated unit that maintains door actuation capability while minimizing overall size.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-install swing arm unit that can fit various vehicle models, ensuring the side door moves in parallel with the vehicle body, facilitating wheelchair access and improving door operation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor for pivoting the swing arm in relation to the first mounting bracket about said first pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a reduction gear system, which is configured to act between the motor and the first joint and through which the motor is capable of pivoting the swing arm
Implementation Method 3
the swing arm being connected to the first mounting bracket through a first joint so as to be pivotable in relation to the first mounting bracket about a first pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A swing arm unit, which is configured to allow a side door of a vehicle to swing outward and rearward with respect to a vehicle body from a closed position to an open position and which comprises: - a first mounting bracket (10) to be connected to a door pillar of the vehicle; - a second mounting bracket (20) to be connected to the side door; - a swing arm (30) extending between said mounting brackets; - an electric motor (33) for pivoting the swing arm in relation to the first mounting bracket; and - a reduction gear system (40) acting between the motor and the first mounting bracket. The motor and the gear system are mounted to the swing arm so as to be carried by and move together with the swing arm when the swing arm is pivoted in relation to the first mounting bracket.