Vehicle Door Handle Backup Mechanism for Battery Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal axis motorized flush handles for vehicle doors lack a satisfactory safety mechanism, as they do not allow manual deployment in case of battery failure, posing a risk in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backup mechanism with a deployment spring and manual movable grip member, allowing the grip to be manually moved from a flush to a deployed position, and automatically returned to the deployed position using a push-push unit, ensuring functionality even without actuator power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a horizontal axis motorized flush handle is used, then the aerodynamic noise is reduced and the handle is made invisible, but the safety is compromised because manual deployment is not possible in case of battery failure
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is segmented into motorized and manual operation paths. The motorized system uses an actuator for normal operation, while the manual system uses a deployment spring and movable grip member for emergency operation, allowing both aerodynamic benefits and safety redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
A deployment spring is pre-loaded in the spring housing to provide backup deployment capability before battery failure occurs. This pre-prepared mechanical energy ensures the grip member can be deployed manually even when the motorized actuator is non-functional
2Extent of automation
If a motorized actuator is used to deploy the grip member, then the operation is automated and convenient, but the device becomes non-functional in case of battery failure
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment spring automatically energizes when the grip member is manually moved to the retracted position, eliminating the need for external power or complex control systems. The mechanical system self-activates through user interaction alone
Solution Approach 2:
The grip member serves multiple functions: it can be deployed automatically via the motorized actuator for normal operation, or manually deployed via the deployment spring for emergency operation, making the system universally operational under different conditions
3Reliability
If the grip member is always connected to the actuator lever, then the motorized operation is reliable, but manual operation becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the grip member and actuator lever is made dynamic rather than fixed. The grip member can be manually disengaged from the actuator lever to access the deployment spring mechanism, then reconnected after deployment, allowing both motorized and manual operation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator lever serves as an intermediary element that can transmit force from either the motorized actuator or the deployment spring to the grip member. This intermediate component enables flexible force transmission paths for different operation modes
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
Enhances safety by enabling manual operation of the door handle in case of battery failure, ensuring the door can still be opened even when the actuator is not functioning, thereby improving user safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The deployment means can comprise at least one deployment spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a handle assembly (10) for a vehicle door, the handle assembly comprising a flush handle (12) comprising: - A grip member (14) configured to cooperate with a latch mechanism to unlatch the vehicle door, the grip member being rotatable around a horizontal axis (A), and - An actuator (16) configured to move the grip member from a flush position in which the grip member extends flush to an external panel of the vehicle door, to a deployed position in which the grip member projects with respect to the external panel of the vehicle door, Wherein the grip member is manually movable around the horizontal axis from the flush position to a retracted position in which the grip member is retracted inside a recess of the vehicle door, the flush handle comprising deployment means configured to allow the grip member to automatically move from the retracted position to the deployed position.