Automobile Inner Handle with Mechanical Backup for Electric Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Car doors are difficult to open when the electric opening mechanism fails, leading to a risk of being unable to access the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

An inner handle for automobiles is designed with a base, handle, reset assembly, and driving assembly, which includes an electronic module with a switch and a mechanical module with a pulling wire, allowing the handle to trigger the switch during rotation and facilitate mechanical unlocking, thereby avoiding the need for additional electric switches and ensuring the door can be opened even when the electric mechanism is abnormal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the electric opening mechanism is used for car door opening, then the convenience and automation of door opening is improved, but the reliability of door opening is worsened because the door cannot be opened when the electric mechanism fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric door opening automationVSAvoiddoor opening reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The door opening function is segmented into two independent systems: an electric opening system (motor-driven) and a mechanical opening system (handle-driven). The mechanical system includes a handle connected to a pulling wire that mechanically actuates the locking structure, providing an independent backup path for door opening when the electric system fails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical opening mechanism is pre-configured as a backup system within the handle assembly. The pulling wire and mechanical linkage are permanently installed and ready to operate, providing immediate backup capability without requiring additional components or complex activation procedures when electric failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electric switch and mechanical inner handle are arranged separately on the door body, then the functional separation is improved, but the device complexity and layout requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidlayout complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric switch and mechanical handle components are merged into a single integrated handle assembly. The switch is mounted on the handle body, and both the electric switching mechanism and mechanical pulling mechanism share the same mounting space and operational interface, eliminating the need for separate layout positions on the door body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the mechanical pulling mechanism for door opening, houses the electric switch for electric door opening, and provides a unified user interface for both opening methods. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the door body layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

The inner handle allows for reliable opening and closing of the car door by integrating an electronic switch within the handle, ensuring the door can be opened mechanically even if the electric opening fails, improving usability and reducing the risk of being unable to access the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

the reset assembly includes a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is located between the handle and the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4155490B1Inner handle for automobile and application thereof
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 ZEEKR AUTOMOBILE (NINGBO HANGZHOU BAY NEW ZONE) CO LTD
  • EP4155490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4155490B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4155490B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The disclosure provides an inner handle for an automobile, specifically related to the automotive field. The inner handle for automobile includes a base, a handle, a reset assembly and a driving assembly. The handle is rotatably connected with the base. The reset assembly is located between the handle and the base. The driving assembly is connected with the handle. The driving assembly includes an electronic module and a mechanical module. The electronic module includes a switch and a first driving component. During a rotation of the handle, the first driving component is allowed to trigger the switch. The mechanical module includes a second driving component and a pulling wire. During the rotation of the handle, the second driving component is allowed to pull the pulling wire. The disclosure may solve the problem that a car door is difficult to open when an electric opening of the vehicle door is abnormal.