Motor Vehicle Door Handle Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle arrangements for vehicles require users to manually hold the handle in a release position against a restoring force, making it inconvenient to insert a key for mechanical locking, especially when electronic access functions fail.
Innovation Solution
A door handle design where the handle forms a cover for the lock cylinder in its rest position, with a latching mechanism that holds it in the release position, allowing easy key insertion without user intervention, utilizing an elastic spring element for dual functionality as both latching and restoring means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the handle is designed to be held in the release position against a restoring force for key insertion, then the lock cylinder can be accessed, but the operation becomes force-intensive and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching means is designed to automatically engage and hold the handle in the release position without requiring the user to manually hold it. The spring element automatically latches the handle when moved to the release position, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for continuous user force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement path of the handle is designed with a curved trajectory rather than a straight line. The handle moves along a arc-shaped path that naturally guides it into the latching position, utilizing the curvature to assist the latching mechanism in engaging automatically at the end of the movement path.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the handle forms a cover for the lock cylinder in the rest position, then the lock cylinder is concealed and protected, but the handle must be moved along a complex two-stage movement path for key access
Solution Approach 1:
The cover function and handle function are merged into a single integrated component. The handle itself forms the cover for the lock cylinder in the rest position, eliminating the need for a separate cover component and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to pivot between rest position, operating position, and release position. The two-stage movement path is dynamically optimized so that the first stage disengages the latching means while the second stage positions the handle for key insertion, making the complex motion sequence automatic and user-friendly.
3Ease of operation
If a latching means is added to hold the handle in the release position, then key insertion becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves multiple functions: it provides the restoring force to return the handle to the rest position, and it acts as the latching means to hold the handle in the release position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle movement and the key insertion function. It mediates the transition by automatically engaging to hold the handle in the correct position, simplifying the user's interaction while managing the mechanical complexity internally.
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 convenient and stress-free key insertion into the lock cylinder, reducing the need for manual handling and enhancing user experience during mechanical locking operations, especially in emergency situations where electronic access fails.
Implementation Method 1
the latching means is also the restoring means (14) at the same time. It is particularly favorable if the latching means (19) comprises an elastic spring element (20)
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Door handle assembly (3) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a carrier (6), a handle (4) pivotably mounted on the carrier (6) between a rest position and an actuating position along a first path of movement (12), a locking cylinder (7), and a return element (14), wherein the handle (4) is pivotable relative to the locking cylinder (7) into a release position such that it can be lifted off the locking cylinder (7) and the locking cylinder (7) can be released for the insertion of a key (11). The handle (4) is designed to pivot from the actuating position along a second path of movement (18), which adjoins the first path of movement (12), into the release position, wherein in the release position of the handle (4) a locking element (19) holds the handle (4) in its release position.