Active Material Self-Presenting Vehicle Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle handles and devices are permanently fixed, occupying space and affecting interior design, and are infrequently used, leading to a need for self-presenting devices that can deploy only when needed without compromising aesthetics or increasing interior space.
Innovation Solution
Active material-enabled self-presenting devices that transition from a stored form to a presented form upon activation, using materials like shape memory alloys, polymers, and electroactive polymers, which change properties in response to signals such as heat, magnetic fields, or electrical signals to deploy and retract handles and hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If handles and devices are permanently fixed to the vehicle interior, then they are always available for use, but they occupy interior space and affect interior styling design
Solution Approach 1:
The handle transitions from a static, permanently fixed state to a dynamic, deployable state. The handle is integrated into the seat structure and can be deployed when needed and retracted when not in use, allowing the system to adapt between providing reliable access and maintaining clean interior design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is nested within the seat structure when retracted, with the handle mechanism integrated into the seat back or seat cushion. This nesting approach allows the handle to be stored within the existing seat volume without adding permanent protrusions that would affect interior styling or occupy additional space.
2Ease of operation
If handles are permanently fixed, then they are always accessible, but they affect interior styling design and aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The handle provides a dynamic solution that adapts its visibility and accessibility. When deployed, the handle is fully accessible and visible to users. When retracted, the handle disappears into the seat structure, maintaining clean lines and uninterrupted interior styling, thus resolving the conflict between accessibility and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle function is extracted from the permanent interior fixtures and integrated into the movable seat structure. This extraction allows the handle to be present only when needed, rather than being a permanent feature that compromises interior design aesthetics.
3Volume of stationary object
If active material is used to enable self-presenting functionality, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active material enables the handle to deploy and retract automatically in response to seat position changes or user interaction, eliminating the need for separate motors, sensors, or control systems. This self-service approach achieves space-efficient deployment while minimizing the added complexity by using materials that perform the actuation function inherently.
Solution Approach 2:
The active material changes its physical parameters (such as shape, stiffness, or volume) in response to environmental stimuli or activation signals, enabling the handle to transition between deployed and retracted states. This parameter change approach provides space-efficient functionality while avoiding complex mechanical actuation systems.
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 a space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution by deploying only when needed, utilizing active materials to reversibly present functional components, such as grab handles and hooks, without requiring continuous power for storage, thus enhancing interior space utilization and design.
Implementation Method 1
the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form
Implementation Method 2
using materials like shape memory alloys, polymers, and electroactive polymers, which change properties in response to signals such as heat, magnetic fields, or electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A self-presenting device includes, a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to store the member and the second form is configured to present the member, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.