Two-Stage Valve Mechanism for Vehicle Door Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door checks for motor vehicles require excessive effort to move a door from its held position, especially when an intermediate opening is desired to avoid damage from adjacent vehicles or walls, resulting in an inconveniently small entry opening.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage valve mechanism is implemented, requiring a high initial force to open the valve and then a lower force to maintain the open position, allowing easy movement of the door with reduced effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door check holds a door in an intermediate position to avoid damage from adjacent vehicles or walls, then safety is improved, but the entry opening becomes relatively small and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two separate valve closures (first and second) that can open independently at different pressure thresholds. This segmentation allows the door check to provide two distinct holding positions: an intermediate position (first valve closed, second valve open) and a fully open position (both valves open), resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and convenient entry opening size
2Reliability
If a high opening pressure is required to open the valve initially, then the door is reliably locked in the idle state, but excessive effort is required to move the door from the held position
Solution Approach 1:
The opening force requirement is segmented into two stages: a high initial force to open the first valve closure (ensuring reliable unlocking), and a lower subsequent force to open the second valve closure (allowing easy door movement). This resolves the contradiction between reliable locking and ease of door movement
Solution Approach 2:
The first valve closure opens preliminarily at a lower pressure threshold, creating an initial opening that allows liquid to flow and build pressure in the second chamber. This preliminary action prepares the system for the second stage where the door can be moved easily with reduced force
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 valve mechanism ensures the door is reliably locked initially but can be easily opened and moved further with minimal effort, enhancing convenience and safety by allowing larger entry openings without damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
The door check includes a piston that can be pivoted in a housing, which separates a closed space filled with a liquid into two chambers, and directional valves that respond at a preset threshold value. If a directional valve responds, liquid can flow from one chamber into the other chamber
Implementation Method 2
the valve has two valve closures that can be opened independently of one another with spring elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve for a door catch, in particular for a motor vehicle. The claimed valve for a door catch has a device for opening the valve, which device is provided in such a manner that, for an initial opening of the valve, first of all a relatively high opening pressure has to be exerted on the valve. Subsequently, for complete opening of the valve and/or for keeping the valve in the open position thereof, an opening pressure which is smaller in comparison has to be exerted on the valve. Since, in the case of such a valve, a relatively high opening pressure has to be used initially for opening the valve, a relatively high amount of effort is first of all required in order to move a door which has been stopped by a door catch equipped with such a valve. In this respect, because of the valve, the door catch consequently reliably carries out the function thereof, namely keeping a door in the non-operated state. If the door is moved and therefore an opening pressure is applied to the valve, the valve initially opens under a sufficiently high force. If the valve has been initially opened, the pressure which has to be applied subsequently for complete opening of the valve and/or which is required for keeping the valve in the open position thereof decreases. The door can then be moved further with reduced effort because of the decreasing pressure.