Active Material Self-Actuated Vehicle Handle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle handles and devices are permanently fixed, occupying interior space and affecting aesthetics, while infrequently used, leading to a need for self-actuating devices that can enhance ease of use and interior spaciousness without compromising styling or aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
The development of active material-enabled self-presenting and self-stowing devices that transition between stowed and presented forms upon activation, using shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and other active materials to change properties and move handles or components within vehicle compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handles and devices are permanently fixed to vehicle interior and exterior, then they are always accessible and functional, but they occupy interior space and affect styling design and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making handles transition between fixed and movable states. The active material enables the handle to dynamically change its position - remaining stowed during normal conditions and deploying only when activated, thus providing accessibility on demand while minimizing space occupation during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing active materials that change their physical properties (such as shape, length, or rigidity) in response to activation signals. This allows the handle to transform from a compact stowed configuration to an extended functional configuration, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space occupation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If handles are permanently fixed, then they maintain structural stability, but they affect interior styling design and exterior aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system maintains structural stability when stowed through the active material's ability to hold a fixed configuration. When activation is required, the handle dynamically transitions to a deployed state, allowing the vehicle profile to remain sleek and aerodynamic during normal conditions while providing functional access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to nest within or against the vehicle surface when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting approach allows the handle to maintain a compact form that preserves the vehicle's aesthetic profile while still providing structural stability and readiness for deployment when activated.
3Volume of moving object
If handles are made retractable to improve aesthetics, then interior space is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using active materials that inherently provide both the actuation force and the structural support for the handle. The active material serves multiple functions - it acts as both the actuator that enables retraction/deployment and the structural element that maintains handle integrity, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to traditional multi-component retractable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical retractable handle mechanisms with an active material-based system. Instead of using traditional springs, motors, linkages, and control systems, the active material directly transforms energy to produce the required motion, significantly simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the retractable functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These devices provide enhanced usability and interior space by reversibly presenting or stowing handles and components, maintaining a flush exterior and improving aerodynamics and aesthetics, while being lightweight and adaptable to existing vehicle structures.
Implementation Method 1
a first shape memory alloy in operative communication with the axle. The shape memory alloy is configured to undergo a contraction in a length dimension upon receipt of a first heat signal
Implementation Method 2
The shape memory alloy is configured to undergo a contraction in a length dimension upon receipt of a first heat signal
Implementation Method 3
The locking mechanism comprises a second shape memory alloy configured to undergo a contraction in a length dimension upon receipt of a second heat signal
Implementation Method 4
a bias spring in operative communication with the axle is configured to provide rotation of the axle in a second direction counter to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an active material. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The active material is in operable communication with the member. The active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal and the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.