Vehicle Door Latch Merging for Independent Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional opposed opening and closing type vehicle doors require sequential operation and use of separate latches for front and rear doors, increasing vehicle weight and manufacturing cost.

Innovation Solution

A door structure where both front and rear doors can be opened and closed using a single latch and active striker, allowing independent operation and reducing the need for multiple latches, with a rotatable center pillar and locking grooves for enhanced flexibility and reduced thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate latches are disposed in each of the front door and the rear door, then the doors can be opened and closed independently, but the weight and manufacturing cost of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent door operationVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the latch functions by disposing a single latch in the center pillar that can engage with either the front door or rear door. This single latch structure replaces what would traditionally require two separate latches, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining the capability for independent door operation. The latch is positioned to interact with both doors through the opposed opening and closing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single latch disposed in the center pillar serves multiple functions by being able to engage with both the front door and rear door. This multi-functional latch structure allows either door to be secured independently using the same latch mechanism, eliminating the need for separate latches for each door while preserving independent operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate latches are disposed in each of the front door and the rear door, then the doors can be opened and closed independently, but the manufacturing cost of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent door operationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the latch functions by disposing a single latch in the center pillar that can engage with either the front door or rear door. This single latch structure replaces what would traditionally require two separate latches, thereby reducing manufacturing cost through fewer parts, simplified assembly processes, and reduced material requirements while maintaining the capability for independent door operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If sequential opening and closing order is required, then the doors can be properly opened and closed, but the degree of freedom in opening and closing sequence is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper door operationVSAvoidopening and closing sequence flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic door operation by allowing the opening and closing sequence to be flexible rather than fixed. The opposed opening and closing mechanism with a single latch in the center pillar enables the user to open either the front or rear door first, and to close them in any sequence, adapting to different usage scenarios while maintaining proper door function and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design enhances the freedom of opening and closing sequences, reduces vehicle weight and manufacturing costs, and improves passenger compartment habitability by allowing either door to initiate opening or closing, while maintaining secure locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a restoration spring coupled to an exterior surface of the movable rod and configured to elastically support the movable rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a hinge shaft having the first and second mounting flanges are rotatably disposed thereon and a torsion spring wound around the hinge shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 3

a return spring may be configured to return the crew to an original location or a position by elastically supporting the crew

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

The locking pins may be disposed in an upper portion and a lower portion of the center pillar. An upper portion and a lower portion of the front door may be inserted and coupled to the first and second locking grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10273723B2Opposed opening and closing type door structure of vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An opposed opening and closing type door structure of a vehicle is provided. The opposed opening and closing type door structure includes a front door and a rear door that are rotatably disposed in the vehicle to be oppositely opened and closed. A center pillar is rotatably disposed in the rear door and an active striker is disposed in the front door. A latch locked with or released from the active striker and is disposed in the center pillar. Accordingly, the weight of the vehicle and the number of parts of the vehicle is reduced and the front door and the rear door are independently opened and closed.