Rivian develops a sliding door patent, hinting toward a minivan

[MEDICALJMP]

Rivian develops a sliding door patent, hinting toward a minivan
CREDIT: USPTO

ByJoey Klender
Posted on September 20, 2021

https://www.teslarati.com/rivian-minivan-door-patent/

Rivian has filed a new patent that describes a dual guide rail sliding door that would be perfect for a minivan. The design is driving speculation that Rivian could be on its way to develop the market’s first electric minivan just after it produced the industry’s first production version of an all-electric pickup truck.

The patent is entitled “Automotive Vehicle Sliding Side Door with Dual Guide Rail” and shows a minivan design door that operates similarly to a traditional one. The abstract of the patent states:

“Disclosed embodiments include automotive vehicles with dual-guide-rail sliding door and dual-guide-rail sliding door systems for automotive vehicles. An illustrative automotive vehicle includes a body of the vehicle; a sliding door movably connected to the body of the vehicle; a front rail connected to a body of the vehicle; a rear rail connected to a body of the vehicle behind rearward of the front rail; a door rail connected to the sliding door; a front arm assembly connected to the sliding door and movably connected to the front rail; and a rear arm assembly movably connected to the rear rail and movably connected to the door rail. The sliding door is movably connected to the body of the vehicle, and a lateral distance travelled by the sliding door along the body of the vehicle from an open position to a closed position is greater than a length of the rear rail.”​

The patent was first spotted by members of the Rivian Owners Forum.

The design is similar to that of a regular sliding van door. However, instead of the opening being limited to where the rail ends, the rail extends well past the rear of the car. The additional opening would be beneficial for a number of reasons, including the entrance of handicapped passengers.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently hinted toward the introduction of a Robo Van that the company may bring to the market eventually. Musk stated on an internal call with Tesla employees that the van would likely assist people with disabilities. Musk also talked about the possibility of a Tesla van during the Q4 2020 Earnings Call in January, where he stated that the company “is definitely going to make an electric van at some point.”

Rivian and Tesla are likely both several years away from developing this van as both companies have projects in the pipeline. However, an electric minivan could be an excellent addition to the all-electric lineup of vehicles currently available on the market.

The full patent is available below.

AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SLIDING SIDE DOOR WITH DUAL GUIDE RAIL by Joey Klender on Scribd

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We would definitely be in the market for a Cybervan at my house.
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-robo-van-features-elon-musk-teaser/

 

[Ehninger1212]

I could more likely see this as a mod for the Amazon prime van, a new way for delivery drivers to unload the van perhaps? Curbside instead of from the rear?

That or some sort of adventure van.. Rivian doesnt really strike me as a "mini van" kinda company.

 

[Deleted member 12457]

It will be interesting to see how quickly Rivian is sued for patent infringement. There has to be multiple patents already granted for sliding car/van doors. Of course, maybe only Apple is sued for everything they come up with.

 

[Crissa]

Yeah, this just sounds like a full extension drawer slide but on a car.

-Crissa

 

[Ogre]

Rivian, the 90s called and they want their fugly minivan back.

I like vans... this looks like a 90s Caravan in all the worst ways though.

I know it's not a production or release vehicle. But...

 

[Crissa]

Hey, I learned to drive stick in a Caravan.

-Crissa