Car Door Handle NFC Antenna Layout for Thin Grip Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car door handles with protruding designs face challenges in integrating electric actuation devices due to space constraints, often requiring separate installation and complicating user interaction with both the handle and actuation button.
Innovation Solution
A handle design incorporating a near field communication unit with a microchip and antenna, where the coil and connection part are encapsulated within an overmolded portion, allowing for remote placement of the microchip and flexible antenna configuration, enabling easy actuation and communication while maintaining a thin, versatile handle form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric device is integrated on or near the handle, then the actuation function is improved, but the handle design becomes more complex and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into two functional parts: the coil (encapsulated in the overmolded portion) and the elongated connection part with terminal portion (extending outside the encapsulated zone). This segmentation allows the electric device to be integrated into the handle structure without requiring additional separate components, thus improving actuation function while managing design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil is entirely encapsulated within the overmolded portion, which is integrated into the handle body. This nesting approach embeds the electric device components within the existing handle structure, improving actuation functionality without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall design complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the handle presents a protruding form, then the user can easily grab the handle, but it becomes challenging to include the electric device on or near the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna extends in an elongated direction outside the encapsulated zone, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the handle rather than consuming lateral space. This dimensional approach allows the electric device to be integrated along the length of the protruding handle structure, maintaining gripping functionality while enabling electric device inclusion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the handle serve different functions: the overmolded portion provides structural encapsulation and protection, while the elongated connection part extending outside the encapsulated zone provides electrical connection functionality. This local differentiation allows the protruding handle form to maintain its gripping advantage while incorporating the electric device in the appropriate region.
3Volume of moving object
If the microchip is located near the coil, then the near field communication unit is compact, but the microchip is exposed to humidity and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The microchip is extracted from the encapsulated zone and positioned remotely from the coil, outside the overmolded portion. This separation protects the microchip from humidity and environmental factors that could affect it near the coil, while the overall near field communication unit remains compact through the elongated connection part that bridges the two components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated connection part serves as an intermediary element that connects the microchip (positioned outside the encapsulated zone for protection) with the coil (encapsulated within the overmolded portion). This intermediary allows the microchip to be remotely positioned for environmental protection while maintaining electrical and functional connectivity, keeping the overall unit compact.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is made thin, then the design is versatile and aesthetically pleasing, but the coil must occupy minimal space requiring precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into the coil and the elongated connection part, allowing the coil to be positioned in the overmolded portion where space is available, while the connection part extends to reach the microchip. This segmentation enables precise placement of the coil within the thin handle structure without compromising the overall design versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil is nested within the overmolded portion of the handle, which provides a dedicated space for the electromagnetic component. This nesting approach allows the coil to be precisely positioned within the available space of the thin handle structure, maintaining aesthetic appearance and versatility while enabling accurate placement through the molded structure.
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
This design protects the microchip from humidity, allows for various handle forms, and facilitates easy actuation by housing the coil in a compact manner, while enabling data communication for locking and unlocking the car door without compromising the handle's gripping functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication unit having a microchip and an antenna, the antenna including a coil and an elongated connection part configured for cooperating with the microchip
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a car door includes a near field communication unit having a microchip and an antenna. The antenna includes a coil and an elongated connection part configured to cooperate with the microchip, a body, an overmolded portion formed on the body and defining an encapsulating zone including an entirety of the coil and part of the elongated connection part. The elongated connection part includes a terminal portion including a cooperation extremity configured to cooperate with the microchip. The terminal portion is outside the encapsulated zone.