Collapsible Door Trim Pull Handle With Breakaway Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door pull handle designs face challenges in balancing strength and durability with occupant safety during side impacts, as they either compromise durability by weakening the structure or negatively affect ergonomics by relocating the handle.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible door trim pull handle design featuring two separate pieces joined by a break-away feature, allowing for increased deflection during side impacts without compromising durability, comprising a handle and base connected by a post and keyway with specific surface configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If notches or grooves are formed into the pull handle to initiate flex and fracture, then deflection is improved, but durability is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The pull handle is divided into two separate pieces (handle and base) connected by a break-away feature, allowing the handle to deflect during side impacts while maintaining structural integrity for normal pulling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The break-away feature is extracted as a separate functional element between the handle and base, enabling controlled separation during side impacts to improve deflection without compromising the overall strength of the handle components
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pull handle is moved away from the occupant to improve deflection, then occupant safety is improved, but ergonomics are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the handle into two pieces with a break-away connection, the handle can remain in the optimal ergonomic position for the occupant while still achieving improved deflection through controlled separation during side impacts
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pull handle is moved away from the occupant to improve deflection, then deflection is improved, but package space for window and door controllers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows the handle to maintain its position in the available package space while achieving improved deflection through the break-away feature, avoiding the need to relocate the handle and preserve space for window and door controllers
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 design enhances occupant safety by allowing greater deflection with less force during side impacts while maintaining strength and durability, minimizing the impact on the occupant and maintaining ergonomic comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The two parts are fitted together by a post on one of the handle or the base and a keyway for receiving and holding the post being formed in the other of the base or the handle. According to this arrangement the handle and the base may be moved toward one another on deformation of the deformable portion during a side impact event.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible vehicle door pull handle comprises two separate pieces joined together by a break away feature. This arrangement allows the pull handle to be strong when the occupant pulls the vehicle door closed, but allows deflection because of the break away feature during a side impact event. The collapsible vehicle door pull handle comprises a handle, a base, an attachment member fitted to one of the handle and the base, and an elastic deformable portion having a keyway for receiving and holding the attachment member with the attachment portion being on the other of the base and the handle. A molded handle might enclose part of the handle or might enclose the entire handle.