Motor Vehicle Door Handle Removable Cap Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door handle designs for motor vehicles often result in the ornamental cap masking the lock being lost due to detachment during vehicle movement or washing, as they require complete removal for access.

Innovation Solution

A door handle with a removable cap that is securely fastened using translational movement only when the handle is in the open position, preventing disconnection when the vehicle is in motion, and featuring a flexible clip and centering means for secure alignment and easy disconnection without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cap is completely removable from the handle, then access to the lock is enabled, but the cap may be lost during vehicle movement or washing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to lockVSAvoidCap retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is designed to be dynamically retained on the handle during normal vehicle operation through vibration-resistant fastening means, but can be easily removed when the handle is in the open position. The system transitions from a static fully-removable cap to a dynamic system that adapts its retention based on handle position and vibration conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cap is securely fastened to the handle, then the cap cannot be lost, but access to the lock requires tool removal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCap retentionVSAvoidLock access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cap assembly is segmented into the cap itself and the fastening means, allowing the cap to remain securely attached during normal operation while enabling tool-free removal when needed. The segmentation allows the fastening mechanism to be engaged or disengaged independently of the cap structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If the cap extends over the entire length of the handle, then aesthetic continuity is ensured, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAesthetic continuityVSAvoidHandle structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the cap to extend over the entire length of the handle, the invention uses a cap that extends partially over the handle with fastening means positioned at specific locations. This partial coverage approach maintains aesthetic continuity where needed while reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3473789B1Door handle for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 U SHIN ITALIA SPA
  • EP3473789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3473789B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3473789B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a door handle (1) intended to be mounted on a door (2) of a motor vehicle and a method for mounting and dismounting a cap. The door handle (1) comprises a gripping sleeve (5) including an end portion (7) and is arranged to be movable in rotation between a rest position in which it is positioned substantially parallel to the door (2), the end portion (7) being adjacent to the door (2), and an open position of the door (2) in which it is inclined relative to the door (2), the end portion (7) being distant from the door (2). According to the invention, the gripping sleeve (5) includes a fixed portion (43) and a cap (9) removable relative to the fixed portion (43) forming the end portion (7) of the door handle (1). The cap (9) is intended to cover at least partially a lock (8) mounted on the door (2) of the vehicle. The gripping sleeve (5) includes fastening means allowing to fasten the cap (9) to the fixed portion (43) of the gripping sleeve (5) and to remove the cap (9) from the fixed portion (43) by a translational movement of the cap (9), only when the door handle (1) is in the open position of the door (2).