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Power sliding doors need no tracks
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01/02/2007
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A power sliding door mechanism that requires no sliding guide rails has been developed for both front and rear applications, writes Roger Bishop.
It is designed for all vehicle segments and body styles and could be in production by 2009. According to the developer, Dura Automotive Systems, sliding doors have so far been limited to van-shaped vehicles that have sufficient room for a track guide either in front of or behind the door.
The Dura design instead uses a system it calls InvisiTrak that integrates the track guide within the doors themselves, allowing them to be used on sedans, crossovers, pick-up trucks and SUVs. Three years of development work in Plettenberg, Germany led to a rear-door prototype last year. However, the latest demonstration vehicle shows the system applied to both front and rear opening doors. They can be opened and closed independently.
The mechanism consists of an electronically controlled single arm measuring about 300 x 100 x 20mm mounted on the A-pillar for front-door applications and the C-pillar for rear-door designs. The arm swings out and rotates, supporting the door and guiding it away from the bodywork and flared wheel arches, before linear driving carries it parallel to the body. There are separate electric motors for rotation and linear travel.
Anti-trap and obstacle detection sensors ensure occupant safety and guard against, say, a forward-sliding door contacting a front wheel left on full lock.
Engineers claim the design weighs no more than conventional sliding door systems. An open door is said to be strong enough to support the weight of an adult male without affecting track alignment. Some reinforcement between the inner and outer A or C pillars is need to support the module but this should not prevent them being applied to model revisions.
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Author
Roger Bishop
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