Kiekert says it has completed its prototype vehicle with electromechanical function, i-protect to prevent car doors from unintentionally striking nearby obstacles.

The idea for the door protection system originated from a group of students from the Erzbischöfliche Liebfrauenschule in Cologne and the auto supplier presented i-protect to the public at this year’s Munich Management Colloquium.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

I-protect features a sensor system for environment recognition and a door-brake system, which work together to ensure collision avoidance. The vehicle electronics evaluate the signal and send the stop command directly to the door check as soon as an obstacle is detected nearby.

The i-protect stopping mechanism works at the door’s arrester and stops the door electromagnetically when required – centimetres away from the obstacle. I-protect recognises static objects of any size or shape within the door’s swing range.

As the retention force used by the system is mechanical and not electrical, it is also energy efficient, maintains Kiekert. Electricity is used only to move and brake the door.

Also, the position-dependent retention force and an infinitely variable door stay make exiting the vehicle convenient for the end user.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We had a number of demanding hurdles to overcome in configuring our i-protect prototype vehicle,” said Kiekert CEO, Karl Krause. “The sensors had to be positioned so objects of varying sizes and surfaces areas can be identified.

“There have been several different approaches to door protection systems, but none with technology comparable to our i-protect.

“The next step is for Kiekert to develop this next-generation i-protect technology for integration into a diverse array of vehicle concepts.”