Door Handle Assembly Lock Insertion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing door handle assembly configurations for motor vehicles do not allow for easy insertion of a lock after the handle is mounted, requiring the handle to be completely dismounted for lock installation or removal, especially when the actuation device has a lever movable about a horizontal axis, and often require additional components.

Innovation Solution

A door handle assembly with a blocking device that shifts the actuation device to a mounting/dismounting position, allowing the arm to freely slide within the base, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without additional supports, and incorporating a rod that translates and rotates to block or unlock the actuation device for alignment with the sliding axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the longitudinal cover is fastened on the handle above the lock, then the handle assembly is structurally complete, but the lock cannot be inserted after handle mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly sequence flexibilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation device is made dynamically movable between a first position for actuation and a second position for mounting/dismounting. The blocking device enables the actuation device to shift between these positions, allowing the handle assembly to be configured for either operation depending on the current state, thus resolving the contradiction between structural completeness and assembly flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuation device is segmented into movable and fixed portions, with the blocking device providing a mechanism to isolate the movable portion during mounting operations. This segmentation allows the actuation function to be separated from the mounting function, enabling the lock to be inserted after handle mounting without requiring complete disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the handle remains in open position during lock insertion, then the lock can be inserted, but the actuation device lever blocks the insertion path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock insertion accessibilityVSAvoidactuation device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation device lever is made dynamically repositionable through the blocking device mechanism. When the handle is in the open position, the blocking device can shift the lever away from its normal engagement position, creating clearance for lock insertion while maintaining the handle's operational functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuation device lever and the lock insertion path. It temporarily repositions the lever to facilitate lock insertion, then returns it to its functional position, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of lever engagement and lock accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If an additional support is used to enable post-mounting lock insertion, then the lock can be installed after handle mounting, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly sequence flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is integrated into the existing actuation device assembly, enabling it to perform multiple functions: normal actuation operation, post-mounting lock insertion facilitation, and component positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional supports, as the blocking device itself provides the required mounting flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device merges the actuation device with the mounting mechanism, combining what would traditionally be separate functions into a single integrated assembly. The blocking device uses existing structural elements (housing, lever arms) to provide both actuation and mounting support, thereby reducing the total component count while maintaining assembly flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of repair

If the handle assembly is completely dismounted to remove the lock, then the lock can be accessed, but the assembly and disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock accessibilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is segmented into the handle portion and the actuation device portion, with the blocking device enabling selective disengagement of the actuation device from the handle. This allows the lock to be accessed by only disassembling the actuation device section rather than the entire handle assembly, reducing the time required for lock removal and installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11859415B2Door handle assembly for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 U SHIN ITALIA SPA

AI summary

A door handle assembly intended to be mounted on a door of a motor vehicle and its mounting/dismounting method includes a handle linked to a base via a an arm slidably mounted in a housing of the base and including a hook at one of its ends, an actuation device including a first lever engaging the hook, the actuation of the handle causing the sliding of the hook of the arm of the handle and the displacement of the first lever of the actuation device toward the outside of the base along a sliding axis and the actuation of the door opening mechanism to open the door.