Swing-Slide Vehicle Door Actuation for B-Pillar-Less Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power actuated swing and slide doors for vehicles face challenges in achieving full power operation and reducing the size of the power actuator needed, particularly in vehicles without a B-pillar, where the doors must overlap and interlock, requiring sequential opening.
Innovation Solution
A power actuating system with two actuators, one installed in the vehicle body and the other in the door, operating simultaneously to balance forces and enable independent, fully powered opening of swing and slide doors, typically the rear door, without the need for sequential opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large power actuator is installed adjacent to the door opening in the vehicle body to provide sufficient power and torque for the sliding motion, then the door can be fully powered during the first step, but the available installation space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power actuation system is segmented into two separate actuators: a first actuator installed in the vehicle body to drive the sliding motion, and a second actuator installed in the door to drive the swinging motion. This segmentation allows each actuator to be smaller and more appropriately sized for its specific function, resolving the space constraint while maintaining sufficient power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of two actuators working in coordination: the first actuator provides power for the sliding step and the second actuator provides power for the swinging step. Their combined action achieves full power operation for the entire door opening sequence, overcoming the limitations of using a single actuator.
2Ease of operation
If the door is constructed as a slide and swing door with sequential opening steps, then the overlapping door segments can be cleared, but the opening process requires two consecutive steps increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The first actuator performs the preliminary action of sliding the door outward to clear the overlap between door segments. This preliminary sliding action creates the necessary space for the second actuator to then swing the door open, enabling the sequential two-step process to function efficiently and completely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static hinge arrangement to a dynamic two-actuator system that adapts its motion characteristics. The first actuator enables translational sliding motion, then the second actuator enables rotational swinging motion. This dynamic adaptation allows the door to overcome the sequential time penalty by optimizing each phase of motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to power actuated swing and slide doors for vehicles and a respective power actuating system. Provided is a power control and power operation for a non-sequential door opening system. This system allows in particular an independent powered opening of the rear attached rear doors of four door B-pillar less vehicles.