Swinging Vehicle Door Actuator with Programmable Opening Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for actuating swinging vehicle side doors are less than optimal, especially for occupants seated inside or those with mobility challenges, due to the added mass of integrated components and the requirement for a wide opening angle, which can make door operation difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system with a door angle sensor and a programmable side swinging door that includes a controller, actuator, hydraulic pump, obstacle detection sensors, and anti-pinch sensors to allow for user-selectable door opening angles and automatic operation, including obstacle detection and avoidance, using a combination of contact and non-contact sensors to ensure safe and controlled door movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If integrated connections and control features are added to the door assembly, then functionality is improved, but mass increases making door operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door operation with an automated actuator system. The actuator is mounted to the door assembly and automatically opens and closes the door based on sensor input, eliminating the need for occupants to manually overcome the door's weight and integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system performs self-service through automated actuation. Sensors detect obstacles and control the actuator to open, close, or hold the door at intermediate positions without requiring manual intervention from occupants, making the system adaptable to different operational needs while managing its own weight through automation.
2Reliability
If automated actuation with obstacle detection is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual door operation with an automated system that uses sensors to detect obstacles and controls an actuator to safely open, close, or hold the door. This increases safety by eliminating manual intervention but adds complexity through the integration of sensors, controllers, and automated actuation mechanisms.
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
Enables occupant-selectable door opening angles, improving accessibility and safety by allowing controlled and obstacle-aware automatic operation of the side door, enhancing ease of entry and exit for all users, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump is in fluid communication with the actuator and is variably controllable by the controller, with the actuator being actuated by hydraulic fluid pressure provided by the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
at least one non-contact obstacle sensor detects the presence of the obstacle within the range of motion of the door without contact between the door and the obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided having an automatic swinging side door with an actuator for opening and closing the door. A controller has an algorithm for moving the actuator, a sensor for detecting an obstacle via contact with the door; and a sensor for detecting the obstacle without contact with the door. The controller interrupts movement of the door when the obstacle is detected. The door has a measurable and selectable opening angle. A hydraulic pump actuates the actuator using fluid pressure, and a hydraulic fuse monitors flow through a bypass valve to detect the contact. A method of opening a side-swinging vehicle door includes recording a door opening angle; detecting a door operating mode, opening the door when one mode is detected; closing the door when a second mode is detected; and opening the door to the recorded angle when a third mode is detected.