Mechatronic vehicle door assistant

Easy operation of vehicle functionality is an important distinguishing mark for competitiveness. Recently, several approaches are presented in order to assist the entry for passengers. In this paper a novel vehicle door is proposed that offers useful functionalities and increases the passengers' comfort. Based on a mechatronic door system, containing an environment sensor system, a semi-active actuator and a suitable control algorithm, features like a door protection, a variable detent position of the door and get-out assistance is realized by the suggested approach.