Vehicle Door Handle Backup Mechanism for Electronic Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic handles for vehicle doors are rendered unusable in case of battery loss or electronic component malfunctions, preventing users from accessing the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An electronic handle with a backup system featuring a blocking element that can be moved to an unblocking position, allowing the grip lever to activate the mechanical unlatching mechanism, and returning to a blocking position for normal use once the malfunction is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle uses electronic components (battery, switch) to enable electronic unlatching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the handle becomes unusable in case of battery loss or electronic malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a mechanical backup unlatching mechanism that is pre-configured but blocked during normal operation. This mechanical path serves as a cushion against complete failure, allowing the grip lever to mechanically unlatch the door if electronic components fail, thus preventing total system unusability while maintaining electronic operation during normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the unlatching function into two separate mechanisms: an electronic unlatching mechanism activated by a switch and battery, and a mechanical unlatching mechanism activated by direct grip lever rotation. The blocking element segments the grip lever's rotation path, allowing selective activation of one mechanism or the other, enabling independent operation of electronic and mechanical systems
2Reliability
If a blocking element is added to enable mechanical backup operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic and mechanical unlatching mechanisms into a single integrated handle assembly sharing common components (grip lever, mounting structure, latch connection). The blocking element is integrated into the existing grip lever mechanism, and both electronic and mechanical paths use the same grip lever for activation, reducing overall system complexity despite adding backup functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the electronic and mechanical unlatching paths. It can be positioned to block the mechanical path during normal electronic operation or moved to unblock the mechanical path when electronic components fail, providing a simple mechanical solution without complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a vehicle door is provided. The handle includes a fixed part, a grip lever being moveable according to a grip axis between at least an active position in which the rotation of the grip lever activates the opening of the door, and a rest position in which the grip lever does not rotate, an electronic active position, in which the grip lever activates an electronic unlatching of the door. A blocking element is moveable between a blocking position in which the grip lever is inhibited from rotating from the electronic active position to the mechanical active position and an unblocking position in which the grip lever is free to be moved to the mechanical active position. The present disclosure further relates to a corresponding vehicle that includes the handle.