Illuminated Door Handle Light Conductor Gap Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Level or partially retractable door handles in motor vehicles pose challenges for apron lighting, as they are recessed and difficult to illuminate reliably, especially in their retracted position, which affects user comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A handle device with a light conductor arranged on a support element that indirectly illuminates the door handle through a gap between the handle and the vehicle sheet, using a circumferential light guide that refracts and reflects light diffusely, providing uniform and discreet illumination without direct light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light source is arranged in the exterior door handle to illuminate the side apron, then user comfort is improved, but the door handle must extend into actuated position for reliable illumination, which worsens aerodynamics and pedestrian safety
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor is pre-positioned in the recessed door handle structure, and light is coupled into it before the door handle actuates. This preliminary preparation of the lighting system allows illumination to occur during the actuation process without requiring the handle to remain extended, thus maintaining aerodynamics and pedestrian safety while ensuring user comfort is achieved throughout the door opening sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from direct downward illumination (requiring handle extension) to lateral illumination through the gap between handle and vehicle sheet. By utilizing the gap dimension and directing light sideways through the light conductor, the system achieves apron lighting without requiring the door handle to extend into the aerodynamic flow path.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source is arranged in the exterior door handle, then apron lighting is achieved, but direct light emission may dazzle users, worsening safety
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor is designed with spatially varying optical properties: the lateral surface has structured regions that emit light with reduced intensity at locations closer to the gap, while maintaining sufficient intensity for apron illumination. This local differentiation of light emission quality ensures adequate lighting without creating dazzling effects that could harm users.
Solution Approach 2:
The light conductor acts as an intermediary between the light source and the environment. It captures light from the source and redistributes it through its lateral surface and gap emission, transforming direct intense light into diffuse, controlled illumination that achieves apron lighting without dazzling users.
3Shape
If the door handle is recessed to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamics and pedestrian safety are improved, but reliable apron lighting becomes difficult to achieve, worsening user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The light conductor utilizes the existing gap structure between the recessed door handle and the vehicle sheet as part of its illumination mechanism. Rather than requiring additional space or handle extension, the system leverages the natural gap created by the recessed design to emit light laterally, enabling apron lighting to serve the aerodynamic configuration while maintaining user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention compensates for the recessed handle configuration by shifting from vertical illumination (downward) to lateral illumination (through the gap). This dimensional change in light direction allows the recessed handle to maintain its aerodynamic advantages while still achieving reliable apron lighting through the side emission path.
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 reliable and comfortable operation of the door handle in low light conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and improving aerodynamics by providing uniform illumination without dazzling users, even in the retracted position.
Implementation Method 1
the light used to illuminate the door handle is first sent through the light conductor. Afterwards, however, the light is not emitted from the ends of the light conductor, but only to a reduced extent from the side, in particular from a lateral surface of the light conductor
Implementation Method 2
the light emitted or refracted at the outer surface of the light conductor is reflected at least once by the carrier element or its components, in particular reflected diffusely
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handle device (1) for a movable part (100), in particular a motor vehicle door (100), of a motor vehicle, which is designed with a carrier element (10), a holder (11) being formed on the carrier element (10), which receptacle can be arranged at an opening (101) in the movable part (100), wherein a door handle (20), in particular a level door handle, for actuating the movable part (100) is movably mounted on the carrier element (10), and wherein the door handle (20) is designed such that a front gap (S) can be set between the opening (101) in the movable part (100) and the door handle (20). For this purpose, it is provided in accordance with the invention that a light conductor (30) is arranged on the carrier element (10) in order to indirectly illuminate the door handle (20) through the gap (S).