Vehicle Door Handle Converter for Electric Latch Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from mechanical to electrical door opening mechanisms in vehicles is costly due to the need for complete redesign of the door handle assembly, as existing solutions do not effectively convert mechanical handle displacements into electrical signals for electric latches.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle assembly that includes a movable lever, an electrical latch, and a converter system with a switch, elastic element, and mechanical link (such as a Bowden cable or connecting rod) to convert the lever's displacement into an electrical opening signal, allowing the use of a mechanical handle with an electric latch without full door redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical latch system is used in a vehicle door, then the door opening mechanism is simple and cost-effective, but the security and modern functionality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a converter as an intermediary device that translates mechanical lever displacement into electrical signals. This converter includes a switch mechanism with a movable part that actuates the electrical switch when the lever is moved, thereby bridging the mechanical handle and electrical latch without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in mechanical mode directly actuating the latch, or in electrical mode where the converter translates mechanical movement into electrical signals to activate the electrical latch, providing versatility in door opening methods
2Reliability
If an electrical latch is installed in a vehicle door, then door security and modern functionality are improved, but the cost and complexity of complete door redesign increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door opening system into independent functional modules: the mechanical handle assembly, the converter unit with switch and movable part, and the electrical latch. This segmentation allows the electrical latch to be added as a separate module without requiring complete redesign of the entire door structure
Solution Approach 2:
The converter serves as a translation intermediary that accepts mechanical input from the existing handle and produces electrical output for the new latch system, enabling integration of modern electrical security features while preserving existing mechanical components
3Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is added to translate mechanical lever displacement into electrical signals, then compatibility between mechanical handles and electrical latches is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the converter components (housing, switch, movable part, and elastic element) into a single integrated assembly that fits within the existing door handle structure. The movable part is linked to the lever through a mechanical connection (Bowden cable or connecting rod), combining multiple functions in a compact unit
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element (spring) provides automatic reset functionality, pushing the movable part back to its initial position after actuation, thereby self-serviceing the return stroke without requiring additional mechanical components or complex control mechanisms
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 the adaptation of existing mechanical door handles to electric opening mechanisms without requiring a complete redesign of the vehicle door, providing a cost-effective and functional integration of mechanical and electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element configured for constraining the movable part in the rest position
Implementation Method 2
a converter configured for converting a displacement of the movable lever toward the active position into an electrical opening signal sent to the electrical latch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door handle assembly includes a movable lever arranged on an inner side of a vehicle door for rotating from a rest position to an active position, an electrical latch for opening the door, and a converter for converting a displacement of the movable lever toward the active position into an electrical opening signal sent to the electrical latch. The converter includes a housing forming a recess, a switch arranged in the recess and connected to the electrical latch, a movable part arranged in the recess for moving from a rest position associated with a first state of the switch wherein no signal is sent to an active position associated with a second state of the switch wherein an electrical opening signal is sent to the electrical latch, an elastic element, and a mechanical link arranged between the movable lever and the movable part.