Vehicle Door Handle Flex Structure for Smooth Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door handle devices for vehicles cause a deterioration in user handling feeling due to the abutting of a handled member against a stopper during movement, which is detected by a switch.
Innovation Solution
A door handle device with a handle member having a back cover with movement-restricted portions and a flexible portion between them, where a handling detection sensor detects the bending of the flexible portion to improve user handling feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a stopper is provided to restrict the movement of the handled member by abutting against it, then the movement range of the handled member is defined, but the user's handling feeling is deteriorated due to the abutting sensation
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the handled member and the stopper. This flexible portion bends when the handled member moves, allowing the stopper to restrict the movement range without the user directly feeling the abutting sensation. The flexible portion mediates between the need for precise movement restriction and the desire for smooth handling feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible portion (flexible film/structure) instead of a rigid stopper that directly contacts the handled member. This flexible portion can bend and deform, providing movement restriction while maintaining smooth user interaction. The flexibility allows the structure to absorb the abutting sensation without transmitting it to the user.
2Extent of automation
If a switch is used to detect the parallel movement of the handled member, then the door lock switching control is achieved, but the detection mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical switch detection system with a sensor-based detection system that monitors the bending state of the flexible portion. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical switch mechanisms while achieving the same door lock switching control function. The sensor detects the bending of the flexible portion, which corresponds to the handled member's movement, providing automation without mechanical complexity.
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 solution reduces the risk of the user feeling the abutment and enhances the overall handling experience by using a flexible portion and a handling detection sensor to detect bending, thereby improving user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible portion arranged between the pair of movement-restricted portions, the flexible portion being bendable according to the handling by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle device for a vehicle includes: a handle member attached to a door to be handled by a user, the handle member having a front cover, and a back cover; and a handling detection sensor for detecting the handling of the handle member, wherein the back cover includes: a pair of movement-restricted portions arranged at both ends of the back cover, wherein relative movement of the pair of movement-restricted portions to the front cover is restricted; and a flexible portion arranged between the pair of movement-restricted portions, the flexible portion being bendable according to the handling; and wherein the handling detection sensor detects the bending of the flexible portion.