Developers Tout Door Protection System

Germany’s Kiekert AG says it has developed an electromechanical system to help protect car doors from striking objects as they are opened.

The so-called “i-protect” technology, which was inspired by a high school science competition that Kiekert supports, features an object-detection sensor and a special door brake system. Kiekert says the system can stop a door a few centimeters short of hitting an object.

The sensors are mounted near the outside rearview mirrors and are designed to detect objects within a door’s swing range. The company says electromagnetic brakes control arresters on the door hinges to halt the door’s motion if an object is detected.

Formed in 1857, Kiekert specializes in automotive locking systems. The company says it developed a prototype of the i-protect system in just six months after the initial concept. Now it is working on a standardized device suitable for a variety of vehicles.