HEILIGENHAUS, Germany -- Kiekert AG developed an electromechanical door protection function called i-protect. Kiekert's i-protect technology prevents a car door from unintentionally striking nearby obstacles, contributing greater safety and convenience in traffic situations. The system was developed from concept to prototype in just six months. The idea for the system came from a group of high school students from the Erzbischöfliche Liebfrauenschule in Cologne. The concept earned the students a win in the "business@school" competition, a national contest in Germany. Kiekert supported the development of the project as part of a global trend scouting process.
The i-protect sensors and the door-brake system work together to ensure collision avoidance. On-board vehicle electronics evaluate the signal and send a stop command directly to the door check when a nearby obstacle is detected. The i-protect stopping mechanism controls arresters on the door hinges and can stop the door electromagnetically when required - precisely, and just centimeters away from an obstacle. i-protect recognizes static objects of any size or shape within the swing range of the door. Because the retention force used by the system is mechanical and not electrical, the system is energy efficient. The position-dependent retention force and an infinitely variable door stop also make exiting the vehicle even more comfortable and convenient for drivers and passengers. The next step is for Kiekert to develop this next-generation i-protect technology for integration into a diverse array of vehicle concepts. i-protect continues Kiekert's pioneering efforts to create door systems that take road safety and comfort to a whole new level.