Door Handle Hard Point Crossing for Manual Backup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door opening controls with electrically ejected handles fail to provide a intuitive and robust backup mechanism for manual operation in case of electric power supply failure, leaving users unable to access the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hard point crossing mechanism that couples electrical and mechanical activation means, allowing a predefined force to switch between electrical and mechanical operation, enabling intuitive transition to manual ejection of the handle when electric power is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrically ejected handle is used for door opening control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in case of electric power supply failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a mechanical backup ejection mechanism that is prepared in advance to function when the electrical activation means fails. This backup mechanism includes a mechanical activation means with a hard point that provides a tactile and auditory signal, ensuring users can switch to manual operation when needed, thus maintaining door opening functionality even after electrical system failure.
2Reliability
If a backup mechanical ejection mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical and mechanical activation means into a unified door opening control system. Both activation methods share common components such as the handle, support structure, and latch mechanism. The mechanical activation means integrates a hard point that works in conjunction with the electrical system, allowing both modes to function through a single coordinated mechanism rather than separate independent systems.
3Ease of operation
If a hard point crossing means is implemented to enable intuitive transition between electrical and mechanical operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hard point acts as an intermediary element that mediates the transition between electrical and mechanical operation modes. When the user applies force to the handle, the hard point provides a distinct tactile and auditory signal indicating the switching point between activation modes. This intermediary feature guides users intuitively through the mode transition without requiring complex controls or instructions.
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
Enables seamless and recognizable transition from electrically-assisted to manual operation, ensuring the door can be opened even in the absence of a functioning electric power supply, enhancing user accessibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an opening control with an unlocking mechanism, which, when the handle is pulled, enables the unlocking the latch and thus the opening of the door. The latch conventionally comprises a pin secured to the door adapted to cooperate with a striker secured to the bodywork.
Implementation Method 2
a hard point crossing means configured to define a pattern of evolution of a value of a force applied on the handle as a function of a push-in stroke of the handle between its rest position and the pushed position, comprising a crossing of a hard point separating first and second portions of the stroke
Data Source
AI summary
The opening control includes a handle pivotally mounted on a support prone to adopt a pushed position, an intermediate rest position and an ejected position as well as electrical and mechanical means for driving in movement the handle and coupled with the handle of the vehicle such that the application of a predefined force on the handle causes the mechanical or electrical activation. It includes a hard point crossing means configured to define a pattern of evolution of a value of a force applied on the handle as a function of a push-in stroke of the handle between its rest position and the pushed position, including a crossing of a hard point separating first and second portions of the stroke.