Vehicle Closure Handle Retraction Into a Concealed Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle closure modules lack an efficient mechanism to guide and retract handles into and out of a pocket when transitioning between open and closed positions, affecting aesthetic appearance and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A retractable line system with a retraction mechanism is integrated into the vehicle body structure, allowing the handle to be drawn into a pocket as the closure module is closed and pulled out as it opens, utilizing a coiled spring for smooth movement and a stop member to prevent full retraction when uncoupled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle is added to the closure module for user grasping, then ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates when the closure module is in the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be dynamically positioned - extended when needed for operation and retracted when not needed to maintain aesthetic appearance. The retractable line mechanism allows the handle to transition between these states automatically based on closure module position, resolving the contradiction between operational accessibility and visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is nested within the pocket of the body structure when the closure module is in the closed position. The retractable line allows the handle to be stored within the pocket structure, eliminating its visual presence while maintaining functionality when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a retractable line mechanism is added to guide the handle, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable line mechanism is designed to operate automatically without additional control systems. The coiled spring provides automatic retraction when the closure module is closed, and the handle's movement naturally extends the line when opening, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable line acts as an intermediary element that transfers the closure module's movement into handle positioning. This simple mechanical linkage achieves complex positioning functionality through a straightforward intermediate mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is made removable via a stop member and socket, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is segmented into separable components - the handle itself, the retractable line, the stop member, and the socket. This segmentation allows the handle to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining the functionality of the retractable mechanism, achieving adaptability through modular design.
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
Ensures smooth and efficient handle retraction and extension, enhancing aesthetic appeal and user convenience by maintaining the handle within the pocket during closure and allowing easy access when opening, while also concealing mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a coiled spring for smooth movement
Implementation Method 2
the retraction mechanism biases the retractable line toward a retracted position within the retraction mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a closure module of a vehicle, the closure module pivotable back and forth between a closed position and an open position. A device may include a body structure of the vehicle disposed beneath the closure module, the body structure including a pocket. A device may include a handle suspended from the closure module. A device may include a retractable line extending though the pocket to the handle, the retractable line configured to retract when the closure module is pivoted from the open position to the closed position to draw the handle into the pocket of the body structure.