Vehicle Door Opening Panel Backup Handle for Electrical Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door handle mechanisms are complex, expensive, and difficult to integrate into mass-market automotive designs, especially due to space constraints and electrical malfunctions, which limit their use to higher-end vehicles and complicate interior design standardization.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle opening device with a pivoting, rotating paddle-type movable element for mechanical backup control, integrated into the door panel, allowing both exterior and interior operation with flush-mounted handles and sensors, ensuring safe and stylish operation even in electrical failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If an exterior door handle with a protruding mechanism is used to achieve a clean door design, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor surface appearanceVSAvoidhandle mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the handle mechanism from the traditional exterior door handle location and relocates it to the interior door trim area. This allows the exterior door surface to remain smooth and clean while the opening function is achieved through an interior-mounted mechanism that protrudes only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the interior-mounted handle with protruding capability) that mediates between the desire for a clean exterior surface and the need for a functional door opening mechanism. This intermediary solution allows the exterior to remain aesthetic while the interior mechanism provides the necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If a complex electrical actuator mechanism is used for door opening, then the door can be opened electrically, but reliability decreases in case of electrical malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical door openingVSAvoidaccessibility during electrical failure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a mechanical backup mechanism that is prepared in advance to compensate for potential electrical system failures. The interior-mounted handle includes a mechanical protrusion capability that can operate independently of the electrical actuator, ensuring door accessibility even when electrical systems fail.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the door opening mechanism by allowing it to switch between electrical actuation and manual mechanical operation. The interior handle can transition from a retracted state to a protruding state through mechanical means, providing a different operational mode that does not depend on electrical power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the handle mechanism depth is increased to achieve proper functionality, then the door opening function is improved, but the door frame manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening functionVSAvoiddoor frame manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the handle mechanism from the exterior door surface to the interior door trim area, effectively using the third dimension (depth from exterior to interior) to resolve the conflict. This allows the mechanism to have sufficient depth for proper operation without increasing the exterior door frame complexity, as the mechanism is housed within the existing door structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If specific development is done for interior door opening control to accommodate space constraints, then the door opening function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior door openingVSAvoiddevelopment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal interior-mounted handle mechanism that can be integrated into different door configurations and vehicle models. The mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the door opening capability, maintains a clean exterior appearance, and offers both electrical and manual operation modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for model-specific developments and lowers overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3775452B1Device for opening an opening panel and vehicle equipped with such a device
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 RENAULT SA
  • EP3775452B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3775452B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3775452B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention concerns a device (1) for opening an opening panel (2) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an unlocking means (3) intended to mechanically release the link between the opening panel and the body of the vehicle, a gripping means (4) intended for the operation of opening and/or closing the opening panel and a main control means (5) linked to the unlocking means (3) in order to control a change of state of the link between the opening panel and the body of the vehicle, characterised in that it comprises a backup control means (6) intended to act as a substitute for said main control means (5) in the event of the latter failing, such that said backup means is then capable of controlling said unlocking means. The invention also concerns an opening panel comprising such a device and a vehicle comprising at least one such opening panel.