Concealed Vehicle Door Control Integrated in Mullion Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior door opening controls for motor vehicles are not completely concealable, as they often feature protrusions and interruptions in the bodywork that detract from the vehicle's aesthetic and aerodynamic design.
Innovation Solution
An integrated and concealed exterior opening control system for motor vehicle doors, comprising a base fixed along the upright and a trim that matches the outer shape of the upright, forming a concave recess with a manual access opening, where the control interface is arranged on the front wall to control the electrical actuation of the lock, allowing for ergonomic operation and a flush integration with the vehicle's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional protruding handle is used for exterior door opening control, then the door can be easily opened, but the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic performance deteriorate due to large protrusions and visible lines
Solution Approach 1:
The opening control is merged with the upright structure by integrating the base into the upright and covering it with a trim that matches the upright's outer shape. This combines the functional control element with the aesthetic body panel, eliminating the need for separate protruding handles while maintaining operational functionality through a concealed interface within the upright.
2Shape
If the opening control is integrated into the door frame with a flush pallet, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the control remains visible due to the large central cutout and lines of delimitation
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional visible pallet structure is extracted and replaced with a concealed control interface. The trim covers the base completely, removing the visible cutout and delimitation lines. The control function is extracted to an internal interface that is accessed through the upright without requiring visible external structures, thus eliminating the aesthetic compromises of previous flush-mounted designs.
3Shape
If a concealed control interface is used within the upright, then the aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic performance improve, but the ease of operation may deteriorate due to reduced manual access
Solution Approach 1:
The upright structure is given different local qualities: the outer surface maintains the smooth aesthetic profile matching the bodywork, while the inner surface contains the control interface with appropriate geometric features for manual interaction. The trim is shaped to match the upright's outer shape for aesthetics, while the base and trim combination creates a concave recess with a manual access opening that provides ergonomic access to the control interface without compromising the external appearance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The control (10) is configured to be integrated and concealed within a mullion (114) of a pane of glass (106) of the opening (104), and comprises a base fixed to the mullion (114), a trim piece (16) configured to externally cover the opening control (10) on the mullion (114) and supported by the base, and an electrically operated control interface for a lock on the opening (104). According to the invention, the trim piece (16) of the mullion (114) is shaped to conform to the external form of the mullion (114).