Recessed Vehicle Door Handle Lighting Without Moving Wire Harnesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles with integrated lighting modules face issues such as disrupted lighting due to user hand obstruction, increased complexity, and potential wire harness contact when the lighting module is placed on the movable handle portion, leading to higher costs and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular exterior door handle assembly with a light module disposed between the base portion and the door panel, using a light pipe that circumscribes the handle portion, providing perimeter lighting that is not obstructed by the user's hand, and a separate wiring system to reduce complexity and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light module is placed on the movable handle portion, then the lighting can illuminate the handle, but the wire harness may contact moving parts causing increased complexity and potential reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the door handle system into two separate modules: a stationary base portion containing the light module and wiring, and a movable handle portion. This segmentation isolates the wire harness from moving parts, reducing complexity and potential contact issues while maintaining lighting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stationary base portion as an intermediary structure that houses the light module and wire harness. This intermediary separates the electrical components from the movable handle, preventing wire harness contact with moving parts while still enabling illumination of the handle when needed.
2Illumination intensity
If the light module is placed on the movable handle portion, then the handle can be illuminated, but the handle size and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light module from the movable handle portion and relocates it to the stationary base portion. This extraction removes the unnecessary volume and material from the moving handle while preserving the lighting function, as the light module remains in the stationary base where it can still illuminate the handle when extended.
3Shape
If the handle portion is recessed, then the design is sleek and compact, but the user cannot grasp the handle to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic handle portion that can change its position between recessed and extended states. When recessed, the handle provides a sleek aesthetic design; when extended, it protrudes to allow user grasping. This dynamic movement resolves the contradiction between appearance and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the handle portion between two states: recessed (for aesthetic design) and extended (for grasping). This parameter change allows the handle to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, maintaining both aesthetic appeal and ease of operation.
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
The solution ensures consistent illumination of the handle, reduces complexity and size, and prevents unwanted contact of wires, offering an aesthetically pleasing and functional door handle design.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe that at least partially circumscribes the cutout region and a light source that is electrically operable to emit light to illuminate the light pipe
Implementation Method 2
the light module emits light that emanates from between the base portion and the outer panel of the door and through the cutout region of the outer panel of the door to illuminate the handle portion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior door handle assembly includes a base portion that mounts at a door and a handle portion. The handle portion is movable relative to the base portion between a recessed position and an extended position. A light module is disposed between the base portion and an outer panel of the door at or near a cutout region of the outer panel of the door. With the handle portion in the recessed position, a light emitting element of the light module at least partially circumscribes the handle portion. With the handle portion in the extended position, the handle portion extends at least partially through the cutout region. With the handle portion in the extended position, the light emitting element emits light that passes through the cutout region of the outer panel of the door to illuminate the handle portion.