Vehicle Door Obstruction Detection via Segmented Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door systems lack efficient automation for closing, especially in scenarios where users may not be able to operate the doors themselves, such as for mobility-impaired individuals or in vehicles for hire, leading to open doors after a ride.
Innovation Solution
An automatic door system featuring a hinged door and a sliding door that can close automatically, controlled by power actuators and sensors, with a controller managing the positions and interactions between the doors, including detection of obstructions and user input for door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic door closing system is implemented, then convenience and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into two independent doors: a hinged door (first door) and a sliding door (second door), each with its own power actuator and control logic. This segmentation allows each door to be controlled independently, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through modular design where each subsystem can be developed and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the sliding door to a partially open position before closing the hinged door, creating an interference-free zone. This preliminary positioning prevents potential collisions and ensures safe operation, enhancing convenience without requiring manual intervention while the modular control structure manages the added complexity.
2Ease of operation
If power actuators and sensors are added for automatic control, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate control modules for the hinged door and sliding door, each with its own power actuator and sensor suite. This modular approach allows for standardized manufacturing of sub-assemblies that can be produced independently and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally manage both door types with a single control unit that can handle multiple door configurations and operation modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each door, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the sliding door is positioned partially open to allow hinged door closure, then door closing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding door is preliminarily positioned to a partially open position (creating an interference zone) before the hinged door closes. This preliminary action ensures that the hinged door has a clear path to close reliably without collision, improving door closing reliability. The control system manages this sequence through programmed automation, handling the complexity through systematic control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to detect the positions of both doors and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the sliding door position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable door closing by preventing collisions, while the automated feedback loop manages the control complexity through programmed response protocols.
4Reliability
If obstruction detection is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Proximity sensors are strategically positioned at specific locations where obstructions are most likely to occur (such as near the interference zone between doors). This localized sensing approach provides targeted safety coverage without requiring sensors throughout the entire door system, improving safety while managing complexity through selective sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensors serve multiple functions: detecting obstructions, determining door positions, and triggering safety protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor systems for different purposes, improving safety while managing complexity through versatile sensor utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic door system for a vehicle may comprise a hinged door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose a continuous opening formed between a first and a second pillar of the vehicle, wherein the sliding door and the hinged door are configured to enclose the continuous opening without an intermediate support pillar. The system may also comprise the hinged door in a hinged position and controlled by a first power actuator. The system may also comprise the sliding door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose the continuous opening, wherein a second power actuator controls a sliding position of the sliding door. The system may further comprise proximity sensors and interference sensors to detect interfering obstructions, objects, and/or persons located within the interference zone.