Vehicle Door Backup Release Assembly for Power-Loss Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated door latches in vehicles become inoperable in cases of battery disconnection or low charge, such as during accidents, making it difficult for bystanders or first responders to access the vehicle without electrical power, leading to potential delays and increased trauma to passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door opening assembly with a back-up actuation mechanism that includes a handling element linked to the automated door latch, which can transition from a hidden position to a ready position and then to a release position, allowing mechanical release of the door using a Bowden cable, activated by a detection system for emergency conditions like collisions or battery depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If automated door latches are used to streamline vehicle appearance and reduce air drag, then vehicle aerodynamic performance and visual aspect are improved, but the door becomes inaccessible in cases of battery disconnection or low charge
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening system is segmented into two independent parts: the automated electric latch mechanism for normal operation and a separate mechanical backup release module for emergency situations. This segmentation allows each subsystem to function independently, ensuring door accessibility is maintained even when the electric system fails due to battery disconnection or low charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling element changes its operational parameter from hidden to visible and accessible position when emergency conditions are detected. The elastic means store energy during normal operation and release it during emergencies, changing the mechanical state of the release mechanism from locked to unlocked, thereby enabling door opening without electrical power.
2Ease of operation
If the handling element is always visible and accessible, then door opening ease is improved, but vehicle streamlined appearance and air drag are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The handling element dynamically changes its position and visibility based on operational conditions. During normal operation, it remains hidden within the release mechanism sheath to maintain streamlined appearance. During emergencies, elastic means propel it into a visible and accessible position, allowing the system to adapt its form factor to current operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling element is nested within the release mechanism sheath during normal operation, concealed inside the door panel structure. When emergency release is activated, the element is propelled outward from its nested position, emerging only when needed for door opening while otherwise remaining hidden to preserve aerodynamic efficiency.
3Reliability
If a mechanical backup release mechanism is added to enable door opening without power, then door accessibility in emergencies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical backup release functionality is extracted as a separate, self-contained module independent of the electric latch system. This extracted mechanical subsystem includes its own handling element, elastic means, and release mechanism sheath, allowing it to operate autonomously without relying on electrical components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical backup release mechanism is designed as a self-service system that does not require external power sources or complex control systems. The elastic means automatically store and release energy based on the position of the handling element, and the Bowden cable directly transmits mechanical force to the latch, creating a passive, reliable system that serves itself without additional complexity.
4Shape
If the handling element is hidden during normal operation, then vehicle streamlined appearance is improved, but ease of operation in emergencies may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are pre-loaded and positioned during normal operation, storing potential energy in advance. The release mechanism is pre-configured with the Bowden cable connected to the latch system. When emergency conditions occur, these preliminary preparations allow immediate action - the handling element can be quickly pulled to trigger door release without requiring time-consuming assembly or activation procedures.
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
Enables safe and rapid access to the vehicle interior even without electrical power, reducing the risk of injury to passengers and simplifying emergency response by providing a mechanical means to open the door in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means to move the guiding means and the handling element from the hidden position into the ready position
Implementation Method 2
The handling element is mechanically linked to the automated door latch mechanism so as to enable release of the vehicle door
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door opening assembly adopting three positions: a hidden position, a ready position, and a release position. Guiding means comprising a slider support a handling element and can be moved by elastic means from the hidden position into the ready position. The slider is movable in translation from the hidden/retracted position, in which the slider and the handling element are contained in a release mechanism sheath, to the ready/deployed position when the elastic means are released. The handling element is fixed to the slider so as to be rotatable between a position coaxial with the slider and an inclined position protruding laterally from the release mechanism sheath. Secondary elastic means cause the handling element to rotate in a visible inclined position when the slider reaches the ready/deployed position.