Articulating Clutch Hook System for Vehicle Grab Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulating grab handle assemblies for motor vehicles are complex, requiring numerous components and separate molds, making them difficult to assemble and increasing inventory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified grab handle assembly with an integrated articulating hook, where the hook is a single molded component that can be easily inserted into the handle assembly, allowing for deployment or storage without additional complex mechanisms, and can be installed with or without the hook feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional articulating hook assemblies are used, then the hook function is provided, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hook component and pivot pin into a single integrated molded part. The hook is formed with an integrated pivot pin that extends from its body, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly mechanisms. This merging of components directly reduces device complexity and simplifies assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The grab handle assembly is designed to be universal, capable of being installed with or without the articulating hook feature. The handle body includes a receptacle that can accommodate the integrated hook component, but the hook is optional. This multi-functionality allows the same base assembly to serve different purposes, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Productivity
If traditional articulating hook assemblies are used, then the hook function is provided, but inventory requirements increase and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grab handle assembly serves multiple functions: it can be installed alone or with the articulating hook component. The universal design allows a single base assembly to fulfill different customer needs, reducing inventory requirements for multiple specialized parts and speeding up the assembly process by eliminating the need to select between different handle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating hook is designed as a separable module that can be independently installed or removed from the grab handle assembly. The integrated hook component can be optionally attached to the handle body, allowing flexible configuration. This segmentation enables streamlined inventory management and faster assembly by allowing the hook to be added only when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate molds are used for grab handles with hook feature, then the hook function is integrated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook and pivot pin are merged into a single molded component. The integrated design allows both elements to be formed in one molding operation, eliminating the need for separate molds and subsequent assembly steps. This single-component approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the articulating hook function.
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
This solution reduces assembly complexity and inventory needs, speeding up the assembly process while providing a functional hook that can be easily integrated into various vehicle locations, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the hook frictionally engages the pivot pin to resist movement between its stored and deployed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A grab handle assembly with integrated articulating hook is disclosed comprising base elements and a handle pivotal on the base elements between closed and an open positions. A pivot pin is fixed to the handle and pivotally supported on a base element. A hook is pivotally supported on the pivot pin and is movable between a stored and a deployed position. In one form a resilient finger on the hook coacts with surfaces on the pivot pin to provide resistance to movement of the hook between the stored and deployed positions. The pin is configured to provide varied resistance at different hook positions.