Symmetric Actuator Connector Inversion for Door Handle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical connection and installation of actuator handles on motor vehicle side openings are complex, costly, and difficult to maintain due to cluttered interior spaces and potential short circuits, with existing methods not efficiently addressing the need for reduced costs and improved accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of identical actuation modules symmetrically arranged relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, with interlocking members oriented inward for easier access and secure mechanical and electrical connections, and flexible cable harnesses to prevent short circuits, allows for standardized and cost-effective production and maintenance of actuator handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional male and female connectors with interlocking members are used for electrical connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation and maintenance become difficult due to cluttered interior spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional connector arrangement by placing the interlocking members on the interior side of the door panel rather than the exterior side. This allows the connectors to be accessed from the interior space during installation and maintenance, eliminating the problem of cluttered exterior spaces blocking access to the mechanical junctions.
2Ease of manufacture
If standardized identical modules are used for both right and left handles, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but adaptability to different mounting positions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of identical modules by orienting them in opposite directions on the right and left door panels. The modules themselves remain identical for standardized manufacturing, but their installation orientation differs to accommodate the symmetric layout of vehicle doors, thus achieving both cost efficiency and positional adaptability.
3Reliability
If cable harnesses are routed through interior spaces, then electrical connection is established, but short circuit risks increase due to potential contact with conductive parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-conductive routing channels or guides as intermediary structures that direct the cable harnesses through the door panel interior. These channels act as mediators that physically separate the electrical cables from conductive metal parts, preventing potential short circuits while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~3
Figure 4(c)~4(d)
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) provided with right (3D) and left (3G) outside handles fitted to the right (2D) side door and the left (2G) side door of the vehicle (1). The handles (3D, 3G) are each provided with an actuator module (4, 4D, 4G) comprising a housing (6) accommodating an electrical actuator (5, 5D, 5G) and an electrical circuit (9) comprising at least semi-rigid conductors (11) and a control circuit board (10). The housing (6) is provided with a first connector (7, 7D, 7G) having means for mechanical linkage (18a, 19a) with a second connector (14, 14D, 14G) in order to establish the electrical connection between them. The actuator modules (4, 4D, 4G) respectively fitted to the right (3D) and left (3G) handles are identical and are arranged, respectively on the right (2D) and left (2G) side doors, symmetrically relative to a longitudinal extension axis (L1) of the vehicle (1) between the front (AV) and the rear (AR).