Vehicle Door Handle Cover Plate for Power Failure Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle assemblies for vehicles with level door handles and concealed lock cylinders either compromise aesthetics by exposing the lock or become non-functional if the motor drive fails, as the lock cylinder is not easily accessible in these designs.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly with a cover plate that conceals the lock cylinder, allowing it to be manually exposed for key insertion when external power fails, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and ensuring full functionality, using a deflection device and approach detection means for automatic user authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the lock cylinder is concealed to maintain aesthetic appearance, then aesthetics are improved, but accessibility and functionality are worsened when external power fails
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed to be dynamically switchable between a concealed state (flush with door surface) and an exposed state (protruding to reveal lock cylinder). This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain aesthetic appearance during normal operation while providing easy access to the lock cylinder when needed, particularly when external power fails and manual operation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate acts as an intermediary element between the door surface and the lock cylinder. It provides a clean, aesthetic flush surface when closed, while serving as a manual activation mechanism when opened. The cover plate mediates between the conflicting requirements of aesthetics and accessibility, allowing users to manually pull it to expose the lock cylinder for key insertion or emergency operation.
2Ease of operation
If the door handle is moved to exposed operative position by external power, then functionality is improved, but reliability is worsened when motor drive fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically moving the door handle to the exposed operative position and unlocking the door lock when an authorized user approaches (detected by radio-based identification or capacitive sensors). This preliminary unlocking action ensures that if external power fails subsequently, the door can still be opened manually by simply pulling the door handle, as the locking mechanism is already disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by preparing the door lock in an unlocked state through automatic detection and actuation before any potential power failure occurs. This prior preparation creates a safety buffer that protects against the harmful effect of power failure, ensuring that the door remains accessible even if the motor drive fails during or after the automatic operation sequence.
3Reliability
If the lock cylinder is always exposed for manual access, then functionality is improved, but aesthetics are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed to be dynamically switchable between a concealed state (flush with door surface) and an exposed state (protruding to reveal lock cylinder). This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain aesthetic appearance during normal operation while providing easy access to the lock cylinder when needed, particularly when external power fails and manual operation is required.
Data Source
AI summary
Door handle assembly (1) for a vehicle, including a door handle (2) for actuating a door lock (6), which can be moved by external power from a level rest position to an exposed operative position, and a lock cylinder (3) placed adjacent to the door handle (2) for locking and unlocking the door lock (6). The lock cylinder (3) can be covered by a cover plate (4) which, when actuated by hand, exposes the lock cylinder (3) and allows switch of the door handle (2) from the rest position to the operative position.