Vehicle Door Handle Chassis Snap Lock Datum Locator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door handle assemblies face challenges in secure and efficient installation, ease of operation, and simplified servicing due to complex attachment designs requiring dedicated tools.
Innovation Solution
A six-way positioning snap lock datum locator with flexible hooks that securely couple the handle chassis to the outer door panel, utilizing a pair of laterally spaced hooks that flex over ramped tabs and into securing slots, allowing for accurate, timesaving installation and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional attachment designs (screws, bolts, push pins) are used to secure the door handle chassis, then secure mechanical engagement is achieved, but installation complexity increases and requires dedicated tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible tabs made of elastomeric material that can be inserted through apertures in the door panel and secured with snap locks. These flexible tabs eliminate the need for traditional screws, bolts, or push pins, allowing for tool-free installation while maintaining secure mechanical engagement. The flexibility of the tabs allows them to be easily manipulated during installation and provides reliable retention once secured.
2Reliability
If conventional attachment designs are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric tabs with snap lock engagement enable rapid installation without requiring tools or complex procedures. The tabs can be easily inserted and secured in sequence, significantly reducing installation time compared to conventional screw or bolt attachment methods while ensuring reliable mounting.
3Manufacturing precision
If poke yoke chassis attachment designs are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tabs are designed with specific geometric features including apertures, snap locks, and positioning elements that work together to achieve accurate positioning of the door handle chassis relative to the door panel. This positioning accuracy is achieved through the inherent geometry of the flexible tab structure itself, eliminating the need for dedicated alignment tools or specialized installation equipment.
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
The snap lock design ensures secure mechanical engagement, facilitates easy operation of door handle components, and simplifies installation and servicing by eliminating the need for dedicated hand tools, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the door handle assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one flexible hook is configured to insert into the receiving end of the chassis aperture, flex in a first direction while moving over the at least one ramped tab towards the securing end, and thereafter flex in a second direction into the at least one securing slot
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle door handle chassis, motorized vehicles with door handle chassis, and methods of constructing and methods of using handle chassis are disclosed. Presented herein, for example, is a handle chassis for a motor vehicle door assembly. The door assembly includes a door handle and a support structure with a chassis aperture and at least one ramped tab. The handle chassis includes a rigid chassis body with a handle aperture that receives therein a portion of the door handle such that the door handle secures to the chassis body. One or more flexible hooks project from the chassis body. Each flexible hook is configured to insert into a receiving end of the chassis aperture, flex in a first direction while moving over a respective ramped tab towards a securing end, and thereafter flex in a second direction into a respective securing slot to thereby fasten the chassis to the support structure.