Vehicle Door Obstacle Detection With Active Resistive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional vehicle door check systems are passive and do not actively control the door position, which can lead to potential collisions with obstacles, especially cyclists or pedestrians, when the door is opened inadvertently.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle door control system with a check arm, holder, and controller that applies resistive force based on obstacle detection and door position, allowing active control of the door to prevent collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional passive door check system is used, then the door can be opened freely to intermediate positions, but the door cannot prevent collisions with approaching obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision prevention capabilityVSAvoiddoor control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller applies resistive force to the door based on predicted obstacle trajectories and timing, preventing collision before it occurs. The system calculates potential collision scenarios in advance and pre-applies appropriate resistive forces to stop the door from moving into the obstacle's path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors obstacle detection data and door position, dynamically adjusting the resistive force applied by the check arm. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the door to respond in real-time to approaching obstacles while maintaining normal operation when no obstacles are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If an active door control system with obstacle detection is implemented, then collision prevention is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against obstacle collisionVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door control system performs multiple functions: it provides traditional intermediate position holding capability and simultaneously delivers active collision prevention. The check arm mechanism serves both as a passive door holder and as an active actuator that can apply variable resistive forces based on obstacle detection, eliminating the need for separate collision prevention mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The door control system uses the existing door check mechanism to provide its own collision prevention capability. The controller programs the check arm to apply resistive force using the door's own mechanical structure, rather than requiring entirely separate braking or locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If resistive force is applied based on obstacle detection, then collision severity is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision mitigationVSAvoidcontroller energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller applies resistive force in periodic pulses rather than continuously, activating the check arm only when obstacle detection data indicates an approaching object. This pulsed operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous force application, while still providing effective collision prevention when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3099531B2Vehicle door control system with dynamic obstacle detection
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 WARREN IND LTD
  • EP3099531B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3099531B2 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP3099531B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

In an aspect, a vehicle door control system is provided for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a vehicle door. The door control system includes a check arm mounted to one of the vehicle body and the vehicle door, a check arm holder at least a portion of which is mounted to the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle door, and a controller. The controller is programmed to apply a resistive force on the vehicle door based on a determination of whether an obstacle is approaching the vehicle, data relating to the obstacle, and a position of the vehicle door.