Vehicle Wing Door Suspension With Single Actuator Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current suspension systems for bus wing doors lack efficient integration of actuators for coordinated movement in longitudinal and transverse directions, often requiring separate actuators and lacking a unified control mechanism for single or double door operations, which complicates synchronous movement and manual emergency operation.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system utilizing a multifunctional longitudinal guide device that integrates an actuator with a stationary separating piston, coupled to a transverse guide device via a transmission mechanism, allowing both longitudinal and transverse movements to be controlled by a single actuator, and featuring a latching device for secure operation, enabling single or double door control and manual emergency operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate actuators are used for longitudinal and transverse movement, then the wing door can be moved in both directions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidactuator configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the longitudinal guide device and transverse guide device into a unified suspension system where a single actuator controls both guide devices through a coupling mechanism. The first guide device (longitudinal) and second guide device (transverse) are integrated such that actuation of one automatically produces coordinated movement in both directions, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each movement direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling both the longitudinal guide device and transverse guide device. The coupling mechanism enables the actuator to produce coordinated longitudinal and transverse movements simultaneously, making the actuator universal for both movement directions rather than requiring dedicated actuators for each direction.

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

2Device complexity

If a single actuator controls both longitudinal and transverse movements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coordination of synchronous movement becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator configurationVSAvoidmovement coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is pre-configured with specific geometric relationships and mechanical couplings between the longitudinal and transverse guide devices. The coupling mechanism is designed beforehand to automatically produce the correct coordination ratio between longitudinal and transverse movements, eliminating the need for complex real-time control calculations during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the single actuator and the two guide devices. It automatically translates the actuator's linear movement into coordinated longitudinal and transverse movements of the wing door, handling the coordination complexity internally without requiring external control intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the longitudinal guide device is rigidly fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the manual emergency operation capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide device structureVSAvoidemergency operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal guide device is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be rigid during normal automated operation for precision and stability, but capable of being manually displaced or overridden during emergency operations. The guide device can accommodate manual intervention while maintaining its structured form, enabling both automated control and emergency manual operation modes.

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 solution enables efficient, synchronized movement of wing doors in both directions with a single actuator, improving operational control and safety by allowing coordinated single or double door operations and ensuring secure locking and manual emergency access.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator (3a, 3b) is designed as a pneumatic drive or electric drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The actuator (3a, 3b) is designed as a pneumatic drive or electric drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2752546B1Suspension for a door of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 SCHULTE REINHOLD
  • EP2752546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2752546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2752546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The suspension has a wing door moving along direction of a longitudinal guide device. A support part is fixed with ends of the longitudinal guide device. A transverse guide device extending transversely to the longitudinal guide device along movement of a hinged door guided on a door frame opposite to the support part. A transmission mechanism is coupled with a rotary column and a connecting rod along the transverse guide device. An end portion of the rotary column is hinged with a rocker. A locking device is arranged between a support assembly and the transverse guide device.