Vehicle Door Handle Assembly with Self-Retaining Release Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle arrangements for vehicles require users to hold the handle in a release position against a reset force, making it difficult and user-unfriendly to insert a key for a mechanical locking function, especially when the electronic access function is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
The door handle is designed to pivot into a release position along a second movement path, where a locking mechanism retains the handle, allowing easy key insertion without user effort, and incorporates a flexible spring element for dual function as both locking and resetting means, reducing components and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is held in the release position against the reset force to insert a key, then the key can be inserted into the locking cylinder, but the user has to exert a great deal of effort and it is not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means automatically retains the handle in the release position without requiring the user to hold it there. The locking means performs the function of self-retention, eliminating the need for continuous user force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is activated beforehand to retain the handle in the release position before key insertion. This preliminary action of securing the handle allows the user to then freely insert the key without worrying about maintaining handle position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is designed to be pivoted into the release position along the first movement path, then the locking cylinder can be accessed, but the user must continuously hold the handle against the reset force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means automatically maintains the handle in the release position, serving the function of self-retention without requiring continuous user intervention. This makes the system self-sufficient in maintaining the operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to pivot along a second movement path that is adjacent to the first movement path, allowing dynamic transition to a stable release position where the locking means engages to maintain the position.
3Reliability
If a separate locking means and resetting device are used, then the handle can be retained in the release position, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means and resetting device are merged into a single integrated component. This combination reduces the total number of parts, simplifies the overall device structure, and lowers production costs while maintaining the functional requirements of both locking and resetting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated locking means is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism to retain the handle in the release position and as a resetting device to return the handle to its initial position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.
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 allows for convenient and effortless key insertion into the locking cylinder, enhancing user-friendliness and reducing production costs by eliminating a component, while ensuring the handle remains in the release position for mechanical locking, even under increased force conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the locking means also represents the reset means... when the handle is moved into the release position, the locking means is actuated by a flexible spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle, includes a support, a handle that is swivel-mounted on the support to be moved between a rest position and an actuated position along a first movement path, a locking cylinder and a resetting device. The handle can be pivoted with respect to the locking cylinder into a release position in such a way that it can be lifted off the locking cylinder and the locking cylinder is released for inserting a key. The handle is designed in such a way that it can be pivoted from the actuated position along a second movement path, which is adjacent to the first movement path, into the release position, wherein in the release position of the handle, the handle is retained in its release position by a locking element.