Single Actuator for Door Handle Extension and Lock Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle door handle systems require separate actuators for extending the door handle and opening the lock, which can complicate operation and increase weight, installation space, and costs, while also potentially failing in emergency situations if the power supply is interrupted.
Innovation Solution
A dual actuator drive system that generates both the force to move the outside door handle from a rest to an activation position and to open the vehicle lock, using a single actuator connected through mechanical linkages to both the door handle and the lock, ensuring seamless operation and emergency manual operation if needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for extending the door handle and opening the lock, then the system can perform both functions, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators (one for door handle extension and one for lock opening) into a single integrated actuator that performs both functions. This single actuator includes a drive mechanism with a first output for the door handle and a second output for the lock, eliminating the need for separate actuator units and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both functional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform both door handle extension and lock opening operations. The actuator includes a drive mechanism that can selectively engage different output mechanisms depending on the required function, allowing one component to replace multiple specialized components while maintaining reliable operation of both functions
2Reliability
If separate actuators are used for door handle and lock, then both functions are achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuator units into a single integrated actuator housing that contains both the door handle drive mechanism and the lock drive mechanism. This consolidation significantly reduces the installation space required, as the single actuator occupies less volume than two separate actuators would require, while still providing both functional capabilities through shared mechanical components and a unified drive source
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used for both door handle and lock, then device complexity is reduced, but the actuator must generate multiple actuating forces
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is segmented into distinct functional modules within its structure. The drive mechanism includes a first output specifically configured for door handle extension with its own transmission path, and a second output for lock opening with a separate transmission path. This segmentation allows each function to have its own optimized force transmission mechanism while sharing the common drive source, reducing the power requirements compared to a single-force design
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator employs dynamic force distribution through a control mechanism that can selectively engage different output mechanisms. The drive mechanism includes dynamic elements such as clutches or gear shifts that allow the single actuator to generate different actuating forces at different times - one force for door handle extension and another force for lock opening - rather than requiring simultaneous generation of multiple fixed forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive for a motor vehicle lock module. To provide an easy-to-use exterior door handle, a drive (10) for a motor vehicle lock module is provided, which includes an actuator (12) for generating a first actuating force to move the exterior door handle from a rest position to an activation position and for generating a second actuating force to open the vehicle lock. A first mechanical connection (14) is provided for transmitting the first actuating force to the exterior door handle, which moves the exterior door handle into its activation position. A second mechanical connection (16) is also provided for transmitting the second actuating force to the vehicle lock, which opens the vehicle lock.