Motor Vehicle Door Handle Group Safety Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door handle group safety devices are either heavy and bulky due to inertial masses or complex and costly, failing to balance safety with production costs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A handle group with a grip, control lever, coupling lever, and safety lever system that uses elastic means and a Bowden cable or tie rod to prevent door opening during collisions without inertial masses, featuring a structurally simple and cost-effective design that allows easy actuation of the safety mechanism upon grip grasping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inertial masses are used in the safety device, then the door opening prevention function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening prevention functionVSAvoidsafety device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the inertial mass component from the safety device, replacing it with a spring-based mechanism. The spring (22) is arranged about the axis of rotation Z of the control lever 20 and provides the necessary force to maintain the closing mechanism in the engaged position during collisions without requiring heavy inertial masses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the inertial mass-based mechanical system with a spring-based elastic system. The elastic means (spring 22) substitutes for the inertial masses, providing the same safety function through elastic force rather than inertial force, thereby reducing weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If inertial masses are used in the safety device, then the door opening prevention function is achieved, but the device dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening prevention functionVSAvoidsafety device volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the inertial mass component from the safety device, replacing it with a spring-based mechanism. The spring (22) is arranged about the axis of rotation Z of the control lever 20 and provides the necessary force to maintain the closing mechanism in the engaged position during collisions without requiring heavy inertial masses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the inertial mass-based mechanical system with a spring-based elastic system. The elastic means (spring 22) substitutes for the inertial masses, providing the same safety function through elastic force rather than inertial force, thereby reducing weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Weight of moving object

If alternative safety mechanisms are used instead of inertial masses, then the weight and dimensions are reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety device weightVSAvoidsafety device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the safety function with the existing control lever (20) structure. The spring (22) is arranged about the axis of rotation Z of the control lever 20, integrating the elastic means into the existing mechanical structure rather than adding separate complex components. The hook portion (24) and pulling portion (26) of the control lever work together with the spring to provide both control and safety functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control lever (20) serves multiple functions: it acts as both the control element for normal door opening operation and as part of the safety mechanism during collisions. The spring (22) arranged about its axis provides elastic influence to maintain the closing mechanism engaged during collisions, while the Bowden cable connection allows normal operational control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively prevents undesired door opening during collisions by maintaining the closing mechanism engaged during inertia forces, reducing user effort and production costs while avoiding the use of inertial masses and complex structures.

Implementation Method 1

the handle group comprises elastic means suitable for constantly influencing the control lever 20 so as to oppose the passage of the control lever from the rest position to the active position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1950366B1Handle group with safety device for motor vehicle door

Publication Date: 2010.01.13 FERREMI RODOLFO

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a handle group (1) for a motor vehicle door comprising a grip (2), a control lever (20) associable to the closing mechanism by a Bowden cable or a tie rod, wherein the grip is normally disengaged from the control lever. The handle group further comprises a coupling lever (30) actuable by a safety lever (40) arranged along a back surface of the same grip, suitable for engaging the control lever (20), thus allowing the control of the door opening from the grip. In the event of collisions, the handle group prevents the inertial forces acting on the grip from opening the closing mechanism; this is enabled by the fact that if the safety lever (40) is not pressed, the grip is disengaged from the control lever (20).