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hinges? On doors? Nah, who needs them!

[url]http://www.disappearing-car-door.com/[/url]

...sweet... :)

Comments

  • And how does it function during winter time? It probably pisses off the owner if electronics are freezed or otherwise rendered inactive... there seems to be no way to get in the car when error occurs (without damaging the glass) because there's no ordinary keyhole. :p

    But of course it looks cool when everything is working properly.
  • SanfamSanfam I like clocks.
    it's a compressed air mechanism, and yes it would actually work in the winter. :D

    Of course, I love that their prototypes are all based around my all-time favorite car, the Lincoln Mark Viii. It would have made the car perfect.
  • Random ChaosRandom Chaos Actually Carefully-selected Order in disguise
    The only thing I can think of when seeing that is someone that isn't fully in the car when they close the door.
  • StingrayStingray Elite Ranger
    Certainly looks cool, but I'm not sure this is a very sensible design for a few reasons:

    1) In a minor car crash you won't be able to get out without external help. Sure looks like it wouldn't take much frame distortion to jam the system.

    2) The doors take up space where most hybrid cars store their batteries.

    3) The doors open up too much and let out all the heat, and the same goes when you want to keep the hot air outside.

    I do like how you won't bump your door into the car parked next to you, but then this has been solved by sliding door systems before which open sideways.

    I suppose cost will also be a factor. I'm sure there is a market for this system, people with disabilities will certainly benefit from the convenience and enjoy the additional independence.
  • It just looks creepy to be able to see all the way into the car.
  • Vorlons in my HeadVorlons in my Head The Vorlons told me to.
    Weird, it's like having a power sunroof for a door. Doesn't really look that good either. I think it's too dangerous in case of accidents. Any slight frame distortion will likely render it useless and will make it impossible for front and rear passengers to exit. A regular door can usually be forced open even with significant damage.
  • Data CrystalData Crystal Pencil Artist
    That would be fun to have in Finland, preferably in the winter. When the mechanism freezes up... :D

    In any case, I don't see a future for this in the mass market at all, but will probably sell like bread among those with everything and too much money to throw around. :D
  • HuntSmackerHuntSmacker Firstones Ambassador to Starcraftia
    Forgetting the cars for a moment, that video is weird. Something about that British voice, those weirdly dressed people with 60's fashion and hairstyles... This is recent you say?? :P
  • E.TE.T Quote-o-matic
    [QUOTE=Vorlons in my Head;168990]I think it's too dangerous in case of accidents. Any slight frame distortion will likely render it useless and will make it impossible for front and rear passengers to exit.[/QUOTE]I don't think there's such big "hurry to evacuate the crew" if its already dead.
    Without reinforcements roof would be weaker and lack of B-pillar is surely going to have big effect in side collisions. (already the most dangerous/demanding collision type)

    Have to agree about style of that video.

    [QUOTE=Sanfam;168983]it's a compressed air mechanism, and yes it would actually work in the winter. :D[/QUOTE]You sure you want to bet your moneys on that it would work long enough to be practical?
    (if system needs defrosting every day that isn't handy)

    That door system would surely transfer lot of dirt, water and anti-icing salt to place where it has excellent chance to eat car's bottom "hollow". (in addition to causing jams)
  • FreejackFreejack Jake the Not-so-Wise
    The black MKVIII was actually on eBay a year or two ago. IIRC the auction stated that this car demo unit that Ford had commissioned to study alternate entry methods for what was at the time, Linclon's flagship vehicle.

    I would imagine some of the impetous for the design likely came from the fact the car buying public was, at that time, moving away from 2-door cars. That design appears to offer easier entry and exit to the rear set than the conventional design (which also has the B-pillar located further forward), while retaining the sports/lux coupe look.

    Jake
  • PJHPJH The Lovely Thing
    Open that in a rain and you will miss regular doors. Or when you're parked and the door is open and another car drives by and throws water and dirt inside. The whole car interior gets dirty in a heartbeat from a wide open side and everyone who's inside.

    I also suspect the safety of this system and reliability in cold winter conditions as others have pointed out.

    Besides, a traditional car door is also faster to use and most certainly a whole lot of cheaper to make as well and has less parts which can get broken.

    I realize many people might like that kind of a door system, but considering all those issues it doesn't seem like a very good idea afterall.

    - PJH
  • Vorlons in my HeadVorlons in my Head The Vorlons told me to.
    [QUOTE=E.T;169279]I don't think there's such big "hurry to evacuate the crew" if its already dead.
    Without reinforcements roof would be weaker and lack of B-pillar is surely going to have big effect in side collisions. (already the most dangerous/demanding collision type)

    Have to agree about style of that video.

    You sure you want to bet your moneys on that it would work long enough to be practical?
    (if system needs defrosting every day that isn't handy)

    That door system would surely transfer lot of dirt, water and anti-icing salt to place where it has excellent chance to eat car's bottom "hollow". (in addition to causing jams)[/QUOTE]
    Yes there's certainly the issue of roof strength and side collission but what I mean is that if you need to quickly remove an injured person from a car its going to be a lot more troublesome. Given the way it needs to perfectly slide down it looks like even the slightest deformation would mean the door needs to be sheared off or cut open to remove an injured passenger. Conventional doors can still be opened or forced open relatively easily in many cases even with considerable damage.
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