Vehicle Door With Segmented Pivoting Outer Wall Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle doors with a swivel axis in the direction of height face limitations in opening angle, especially in tight spaces, leading to uncomfortable exit and potential damage, while alternative door concepts like sliding or shear doors are complex and unsuitable for higher vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door design featuring a teat-like first gear element and a bowling wheel-like second gear element, allowing the outer and inner walls to move independently, increasing the opening angle even with low swivel paths, and enabling a combination of horizontal and vertical swivel movements to enhance user comfort and reduce structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinged door is used, then the door structure is simple, but the opening angle is limited in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The door body is divided into two independent pivotable elements: the first outer wall element connected to the vehicle body, and the second outer wall element connected to the first outer wall element. This segmentation allows each element to pivot independently, enabling the second element to achieve a larger opening angle relative to the vehicle body than a conventional single-element door could provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanism introduces an additional rotational dimension by connecting the second outer wall element to the first outer wall element via a pivoting device. This creates a compound motion where the second element can pivot relative to the first element, effectively adding another degree of freedom to the door system and enabling greater opening angles.
2Ease of operation
If sliding doors are used to increase opening angle, then the opening area is improved, but the guide mechanism becomes complex and requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex sliding guide mechanism, the patent segments the door into two pivotable elements that rotate around hinges. This segmentation achieves a larger effective opening area through compound pivoting motion while avoiding the need for complex sliding guides, reducing both mechanical complexity and installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sliding mechanical system with a pivoting hinge system. By using rotational pivoting connections instead of linear sliding mechanisms, the door achieves improved opening area without requiring complex guide rails, slots, or other sliding mechanism components.
3Ease of operation
If scissor doors are used to increase opening angle, then the opening angle is improved, but numerous additional components are required for mechanical support
Solution Approach 1:
The door is segmented into two elements connected by a simple pivoting device rather than a complex scissor mechanism. This segmentation achieves increased opening angle through sequential pivoting motion while minimizing the number of support components needed, as each element is supported by a single pivot connection rather than multiple interlocking scissor arms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a scissor mechanism that expands outward to increase opening angle, the patent inverts the approach by using two elements that pivot in sequence, where the second element pivots relative to the first element. This inverted mechanism achieves the same goal of increased opening angle with fewer and simpler components.
4Ease of operation
If scissor doors swing vertically to increase opening angle, then the opening area is improved, but the door is unsuitable for taller vehicles due to ceiling height limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The door is segmented into two elements that pivot horizontally/sequentially rather than swinging vertically. This segmentation allows the door to increase opening area through compound pivoting motion in a horizontal or mixed plane, avoiding vertical swing limitations and making the door suitable for taller vehicles like SUVs where ceiling height would restrict vertical scissor door movement.
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 design enlarges the opening angle of the vehicle door, facilitating easier exit from tight spaces without the need for body rotation, reducing the risk of damage, and simplifying installation and maintenance compared to conventional doors.
Implementation Method 1
the pivoting device has a first gear element which is designed as a bevel pinion and which can be brought into operative contact with a corresponding second gear element of the vehicle which is designed as a bevel gear
Data Source
Figure 1I~1III
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle door for a vehicle (1), in particular for passenger cars and/or trucks, having a door body (3) with an outer wall and an inner wall, said door body (3) being pivotally connectable to the body (4) of the vehicle. The invention is characterized in that the outer wall has a first outer wall element (5) and a second outer wall element (6) which are pivotally connected together. The invention additionally relates to a vehicle, in particular a passenger car and/or a truck, comprising a vehicle body (4) and a vehicle door (2) according to the invention, wherein the door body (3) and the vehicle body (4) are pivotally connected together via a joint device (21).