Automobile Door Handle Grounding via Integrated Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile door handles with metal finishing pieces interfere with proximity sensors, requiring manual grounding and different designs for left and right handles, limiting volume reduction and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An automobile door handle design that automatically sets metal or metalized finishing pieces to a reference potential during assembly using conductive intermediates and fixing means, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing for the same design to be used on both left and right handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If metal finishing pieces are added to increase stylistic effect, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sensor operation is affected due to dielectric field deflection
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate means (conductive element or grounding structure) is introduced between the metal finishing piece and the sensor environment to mediate the electromagnetic interaction. This intermediary provides a controlled path for electric field lines, preventing them from deflecting toward the sensor while still allowing the aesthetic metal finishing to be present on the door handle.
2Reliability
If manual grounding means are used to set finishing pieces to reference potential, then sensor interference is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding function is merged with existing structural components of the door handle. The intermediate means is integrated into the assembly such that it simultaneously serves both mechanical support/fixing functions and electrical grounding functions, eliminating the need for separate manual grounding operations and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle assembly structure is designed to automatically provide the reference potential connection through its inherent geometry and material properties. The intermediate means is positioned and configured so that normal assembly operations automatically establish the grounding connection without requiring additional manual intervention or specialized grounding procedures.
3Reliability
If different designs are used for left and right handles to accommodate grounding means, then grounding reliability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate means and grounding structure are designed with universal applicability to both left and right door handles. The same component design, dimensions, and grounding configuration can be used for both sides, allowing standardized manufacturing processes and inventory management while maintaining reliable grounding connections regardless of handle orientation or position.
4Reliability
If traditional grounding means are used, then reference potential connection is established, but volume reduction possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate means and grounding structures are nested within the existing internal geometry of the door handle assembly. The grounding elements are positioned within cavities, channels, or unused spaces in the handle structure, utilizing otherwise wasted volume. This allows the grounding function to be implemented without increasing the external dimensions or overall volume of the door handle.
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 assembly process, reduces manual steps, and allows for a more compact design by ensuring the finishing pieces are set to a reference potential without manual intervention, enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the door handles.
Implementation Method 1
intermediate means providing a connection for said finishing piece to a reference potential
Implementation Method 2
a capacitive sensor which works by measuring the capacity variation of the sensor when an object enters into the field of the dielectric
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automobile door handle (10), comprising: an interior fitting (2), said interior fitting (2) comprising at least one metal or metallized element; an intermediate means (11) connecting said interior fitting (2) to a reference potential; an attachment means (13, 14) for retaining said interior fitting (2) on said door handle (10); said door handle (10) being characterized in that said intermediate means (11) and said attachment means (13, 14) are arranged such that the attachment of said interior fitting (2) by means of said attachment means (13, 14) involves connecting said interior fitting (2) to said reference potential.