Door Handle Assembly Dimension Control Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive door latch systems fail to prevent unwanted door operation during exceptional events, such as the imposition of a crushing load on the exterior door handle, which can compromise vehicle safety.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly with a handle chassis, a hook-shaped lever actuator, a rotatable counter mass lever, and a cable assembly with a dimension control link, which maintains a predetermined distance between the cable sheath and release pivot to prevent the door latch from opening unintentionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle assembly uses a cable assembly with flexible core and sheath to transmit actuation force, then the door can be easily opened during normal operation, but the system becomes vulnerable to unwanted door opening during exceptional events such as crushing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The dimension control link acts as an intermediary component between the cable sheath and the release pivot. It maintains a predetermined dimensional relationship that prevents the cable core from being pulled sufficiently to open the latch during crushing loads, while still allowing normal door operation when the handle is properly actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the cable assembly system by introducing a control link that maintains a specific predetermined distance. This dimensional constraint modifies the force transmission characteristics, allowing normal operation while preventing unwanted activation under exceptional loading conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the cable sheath is held stationary relative to the handle chassis to maintain proper cable tension, then normal door operation is enabled, but the system lacks protection against unwanted door opening during crushing events
Solution Approach 1:
The dimension control link pre-establishes a dimensional constraint that counteracts the harmful effect of crushing loads before they can cause unwanted door opening. The link maintains a predetermined distance that prevents the cable from being pulled far enough to activate the latch, even when crushing forces are applied to the handle assembly.
3Device complexity
If the handle grip is directly connected to the door latch mechanism, then simple and reliable door operation is achieved, but the system cannot prevent unwanted opening during exceptional events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the direct connection between the handle grip and door latch by introducing a cable assembly with separate components (core, sheath, dimension control link). This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity for normal operation while adding protective functionality through the dimensioned control link that prevents unwanted activation during exceptional events.
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle assembly for an automotive vehicle including a handle chassis and a handle strap having a lever actuator. A rotatable lever in contact with the lever actuator is mounted upon a release pivot attached to the handle chassis. A cable assembly includes a sheath having a first end which is held stationary, and a flexible core attached to the rotatable lever and to a door latch. A dimension control link maintains a predetermined distance between the first end of the cable sheath and the release pivot, so as to avoid unintentional operation of the door latch which could result from a crushing load imposed upon an outer portion of a vehicle door including the door handle assembly.