Vehicle Door Handle Assembly with Slidable Lock and Steel Reinforcement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor home and RV door handle assemblies lack a power lock for the deadbolt, preventing the door from being closed when locked, and have manufacturing complexities due to thick plunger channels.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly with a slidable lock that allows door closure when locked, featuring steel reinforcement plates under load pins to minimize plunger channel mass and power lock actuators for the main lock and deadbolt, enabling door closure and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the plunger channel in the housing is made thick to meet load requirements, then the strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases and the housing mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger channel structure is segmented into two parts: the housing and separate reinforcement plates. The reinforcement plates are installed within the housing to provide the necessary load-bearing capacity, while the housing itself can be manufactured with thinner walls, simplifying the die-cast process and reducing overall mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines different materials - the housing material and the reinforcement plate material (steel or similar high-strength material) - to create a composite structure that achieves the required load-bearing capacity with reduced housing thickness and simplified manufacturing.
2Strength
If the plunger channel is made thick to meet load requirements, then the strength is improved, but the housing mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented from the housing structure and assigned to separate reinforcement plates. This allows the housing to be lighter while the reinforcement plates provide the necessary strength, optimizing the overall mass distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
By using high-strength reinforcement plate materials, the housing can be made lighter while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity through the composite structure of housing plus reinforcement plates.
3Reliability
If standard motor home door hardware is used, then the door can be locked, but the door cannot be closed when the lock cylinder is in the locked condition
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow the plunger to be temporarily overridden by door closing forces even when locked, then automatically re-engage after closure. This dynamic behavior enables both secure locking and door closing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with preliminary considerations for emergency or abnormal conditions, allowing the door to close even when locked (perhaps indicating a locked-but-closable state or emergency override), with the lock mechanism prepared to re-engage automatically after closure.
4Volume of moving object
If space and dimensional limitations are considered in motor home door handles, then the assembly is compact, but power lock for the deadbolt cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator design is universal and multi-functional, capable of providing power lock operation for both the main lock and the deadbolt within the compact handle assembly. This allows the limited space to accommodate enhanced functionality through efficient space utilization and multi-purpose 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
Enables door closure with the lock engaged, simplifies manufacturing, and provides durable, secure door operation with power lock functionality for both main lock and deadbolt.
Implementation Method 1
A plunger spring is captured in the plunger channel to bias the plunger to the extended position
Implementation Method 2
The outside housing of the handle assembly has one or more steel reinforcement plates mounted to the outside housing under the load pins through which the plunger moves
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle door hardware assembly includes exterior and interior housings each having a handle or paddle for opening the door. The outer housing includes a plunger which is normally extended, and can be retracted by either the exterior or interior handle when the door is unlocked. A deadbolt is also provided on the exterior housing. A main lock can be slid between locked and unlocked positions to preclude or allow movement of the paddle. A pair of key cylinders is provided on the exterior housing for actuating the deadbolt and the main lock. Power units can be connected to the lock and deadbolt via actuators. The deadbolt and lock are also movable by a pair of knobs on the inside housing.