Exterior Door Handle Cover Retention via Connecting Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outside door handles for vehicles face issues where the removable cover element risks falling or getting lost, and accessing the emergency actuation mechanism is not straightforward, potentially leading to damage or difficulty in operation.

Innovation Solution

The outside door handle design incorporates a connecting element that secures the cover element and traction means, such as a Bowden cable, preventing loss and facilitating easy access to emergency actuation, with features like integral molded parts, hooks, and a spring-loaded push button for secure and aesthetic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover element is made removable from the outside door handle, then access to the emergency actuation mechanism is improved, but the cover element risks falling to the ground or getting lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to emergency actuation mechanismVSAvoidcover element retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connecting element as an intermediary component that attaches the cover element to the traction means (Bowden cable). This mediator ensures that when the cover element is removed for accessing the emergency actuation mechanism, it remains connected to the door handle assembly via the traction means, preventing loss while enabling access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the cover element is removed for emergency access, then the emergency actuation mechanism becomes accessible, but the cover element may be scratched or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency actuation accessVSAvoidcover element damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element serves as a protective intermediary that keeps the cover element attached to the door handle assembly even when removed for emergency access. This prevents the cover element from being placed on the ground or handled roughly, thereby reducing the risk of scratches or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the cover element is securely attached to the door handle, then the cover element cannot be lost, but access to the emergency actuation mechanism becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover element retentionVSAvoidemergency actuation access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cover element's attachment system into two parts: a permanent connection to the door handle assembly via the connecting element and traction means, and a removable connection that allows easy detachment when needed for emergency access. This segmentation enables both secure retention and easy access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - the cover element can transition between a securely attached state (for normal operation and prevention of loss) and a removed state (for emergency access). The connecting element maintains this dynamic relationship.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3218562B1Exterior door handle for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an exterior door handle (100) for a door of a motor vehicle, comprising a cover element (103) that can be removed from the exterior door handle (100) and a pulling means (201), in particular a Bowden cable, arranged in the exterior door handle (100) and provided for actuating an opening mechanism of a door of a motor vehicle in the case of an emergency, the cover element (103) and the pulling means (201) being connected to each other via a connecting element (205).