Vehicle Door Latch Alignment for Swing-Sliding Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door systems face challenges in providing ease of use, diversity, and novelty as they often require either significant force and time for sliding doors or limited space for swing doors, making it difficult to adapt to various user needs and environments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus that allows selection between swing and sliding modes by aligning a catch of a main latch rotating around a vertically extending axis with a rod of a main striker extending vertically, enabling stable operation in either mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a swing door is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to narrow spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door system dynamically switches between swing mode and sliding mode based on operational conditions. The opening/closing apparatus can selectively engage either the swing mechanism (hinge-based rotation) or the sliding mechanism (roller-based linear movement), making the system adaptable rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the door to exhibit swing characteristics when space permits and sliding characteristics when space is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is designed with dual functionality, incorporating both swing and sliding opening/closing capabilities within a single door structure. The door can perform multiple functions (swinging and sliding) using a unified design that includes both a hinge mechanism and a sliding mechanism with rollers and rails, eliminating the need for separate door types for different spatial conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding door is used, then adaptability to narrow spaces is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the most appropriate opening mode based on spatial conditions. When narrow spaces are detected or anticipated, the sliding mode is engaged, allowing the door to move linearly along rails without requiring significant lateral clearance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling space-efficient operation when needed while preserving easier swing operation when space allows.
Solution Approach 2:
The door incorporates both sliding and swing mechanisms, making it universally applicable to various spatial conditions. The sliding mechanism with rollers and guide rails provides space-efficient operation, while the integrated hinge mechanism provides an alternative swing mode when space permits, giving users flexibility across different operational scenarios.
3Device complexity
If a single opening and closing method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door system achieves multi-functionality through an integrated design where both swing and sliding mechanisms share common structural elements. The door includes both a hinge assembly and a sliding assembly with rollers, rails, and latching mechanisms that can work together or independently, providing diverse opening modes without requiring completely separate door systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the swing and sliding mechanisms into a single unified door structure. The hinge mechanism and sliding mechanism are combined such that they can cooperate or function independently, with shared components like the door leaf, mounting structures, and control systems. This merging provides adaptability while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate door systems.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus includes: a main latch mounted on a vehicle door, and including a catch rotating around a shaft extending in a height direction of a vehicle; and a main striker mounted on a vehicle body, and including a rod extending in the height direction of the vehicle.