Vehicle Door Handle Ramp Cable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles and linkages suffer from inefficiencies, including the need for complex mechanisms like bellcranks and inertia counterweights, and lack effective mechanisms for rapid and secure latch release.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle assembly featuring a ramp structure and a flexible cable system where the handle's movement along an angled ramp surface shifts the cable to unlatch the door, eliminating the need for bellcranks and inertia counterweights, and incorporating a speed-based cable lock mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bellcrank and inertia counterweight mechanisms are used, then the latch release function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bellcrank and inertia counterweight components from the traditional door handle mechanism, retaining only the essential cable and latch elements. This extraction simplifies the overall mechanism while preserving the core latch release function through a more direct cable-ramp-handle arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a bellcrank to convert handle movement into cable tension, the patent inverts the approach by using a ramp surface that directly converts handle movement into cable displacement. The ramp's angled surface transforms the pulling motion of the handle directly into the linear motion needed to release the latch, eliminating the need for intermediate linkage components.
2Device complexity
If simple cable and ramp mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed-based cable lock function for preventing accidental unlatching is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a speed-sensitive cable lock mechanism that dynamically responds to the velocity of handle movement. The cable lock includes a locking element that engages with a ramp surface, where the engagement force and locking capability vary based on the speed of handle pull. Rapid pulls engage the lock to prevent accidental unlatching, while controlled pulls allow intentional door opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable lock mechanism incorporates feedback through its speed-dependent operation. The mechanism senses the speed of handle movement and automatically adjusts its locking state - engaging the lock during rapid accidental pulls and disengaging during controlled intentional openings. This feedback loop provides automatic protection against accidental unlatching without requiring external control systems.
3Reliability
If traditional linkage mechanisms are used, then the latch release is secure, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive traditional linkage mechanisms with simpler, more cost-effective components. The cable and ramp assembly uses basic metal forming and cable fabrication processes rather than precision-machined bellcranks and counterweights. The simplified geometry of the ramp and reduced component count directly lower manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate latch release security.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door includes a door structure having an interior space and a ramp disposed within the interior space. The vehicle door further includes a latch and a handle that is pivotably connected to the door structure. The handle includes a pair of inwardly and forwardly extending hooks. The vehicle door also includes a cable or other linkage connected to the latch. The cable has a fitting that is pushed along the ramp by the hooks upon pivoting of the handle to thereby shift the cable and unlatch the latch.