Motor Vehicle Door Handle Ejection Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle door opening controls with electrical ejection mechanisms require a clutch system to transition the handle from the ejected to flush position, making the system complex and costly, especially when a backup mechanism is needed in case of electrical failure.
Innovation Solution
An opening control system featuring an elastically-biased ejection lever that pivots about a common axis with the handle, allowing independent movement and actuation of the handle in case of electrical failure, eliminating the need for a clutch system and enabling a backup mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clutch system is used to transition the handle from ejected to flush position, then the handle can be displaced between positions, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clutch system from the door opening control mechanism. The handle is redesigned to pivot directly about a vertical axis without requiring a clutch mechanism for transitioning between flush and ejected positions. This extraction of the unnecessary clutch component simplifies the overall system while maintaining the handle's ability to displace between positions through direct pivoting action.
2Reliability
If a backup mechanism is provided for electrical failure, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to unclutching elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for unclutching elements by removing the clutch system entirely. The handle's direct pivoting mechanism about a vertical axis allows it to function independently of the electrical actuator, providing inherent backup capability without requiring additional unclutching components. The mechanical pivot allows manual operation even when electrical systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it can be electrically actuated through the linear actuator for normal operation, and it can also be manually pivoted about the vertical axis for backup operation during electrical failures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backup mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
3Extent of automation
If an electrical actuator with pivot lever is used, then automated ejection is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical actuation mechanism directly with the handle's pivoting action about a vertical axis. The linear actuator connects directly to the handle without requiring a separate pivot lever mechanism, merging the electrical ejection function with the handle's natural pivoting motion. This integration reduces the number of intermediate components while maintaining automated ejection capability.
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
Simplifies the door opening control system by allowing the handle to remain immobile in its rest position during electrical failure, enabling the activation of a backup mechanism and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a member for elastically returning into a rest position in which it is adapted to retain the handle in its rest position
Implementation Method 2
the actuation element are configured to make the lever pivot against the return force of the return member so as to drive in its rotational movement the handle from its rest position to its ejected position
Data Source
AI summary
An opening control has a case and a handle mounted so as to tilt about an axis relative to the case between at least one rest position and an ejected position, a lever for pivoting the handle in ejection and/or retraction and electrical actuation element of the pivot lever. The lever is configured to pivot about an axis common to the handle and has a member for elastically returning into a return position in which it is adapted to retain the handle in its rest position. The actuation element is configured to make the lever pivot against the return force of the return member so as to drive in its rotational movement the handle from its rest position to its ejected position.