Magna International Inc.
VEHICLE SLIDING DOOR SYSTEM

Abstract:

A system for opening and closing a sliding vehicle door includes a vehicle door that engages with the body in the closed position. A longitudinal track is fixedly mounted to an interior of the vehicle door. A hinged bracket is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body adjacent an opening defined by the vehicle body. The hinged bracket has a laterally compressed shape when the door is closed, and expands laterally outward when the door is opened. The door and the track fixed thereto slide longitudinally along the opened hinged bracket when the door is opened. The interface between the hinged bracket and the track remains at the same generally location relative to the vehicle body, and shifts relative to the vehicle door when the door is opened.