Vehicle Door Handle Torque Feedback Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of existing vehicle door handle assemblies face difficulty in determining how deep to push the handle lever to extend it, leading to potential activation of the back-up mechanical system unnecessarily, especially in cases of low battery or motor issues.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle door handle system with a positioning device to detect the rotation angle of the handle lever and an electronic control unit that generates torque resistance when a predetermined angle is reached, providing feedback to the user through increased resistance, and an optional back-up push-push mechanism for non-motorized operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the handle lever is pushed inward to extend the door handle, then the door handle can be opened, but the user cannot determine when to stop pushing leading to unnecessary activation of back-up mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of determining push depthVSAvoidlack of feedback on push depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through a sensor that detects the position of the handle lever and provides information to the control unit. This allows the system to determine when the handle lever has been pushed to the correct depth and activate the motorized extension mechanism accordingly, preventing unnecessary activation of the back-up mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical push-push back-up mechanism with an electronically controlled motorized system. The motorized actuator is controlled by an electronic control unit that receives input from a positioning sensor, substituting the mechanical feedback system with an electronic sensing and control system that provides precise control over handle extension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a push-push mechanism is used for back-up operation, then the door can be opened without electricity, but it may be activated unnecessarily when battery is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to open door without electricityVSAvoidinability to detect low battery condition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the electrical state of the system and can detect low battery conditions. When low battery is detected, the system can provide feedback to the user through visual or tactile signals, informing them that the back-up mechanism may be activated unnecessarily and that battery replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own electrical state and can communicate this information to the user. The control unit automatically detects when battery voltage is low and can trigger warning indicators, allowing the system to serve itself by identifying and communicating its own operational limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Shape

If the handle lever is made flush with the door surface, then the door has a sleek appearance, but the handle is not easily graspable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidgraspability of handle

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic handle system that transitions between two states: a flush position for aesthetic appearance and an extended position for ease of grasping. The motorized actuator enables the handle to dynamically change its position based on user interaction or remote signals, combining the benefits of both aesthetic design and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle system serves multiple functions: it maintains a sleek flush appearance when not in use, extends automatically or on demand to facilitate easy grasping, and can be operated through multiple modes including remote control, button press, or manual extension. This multi-functionality allows the same handle to satisfy both aesthetic and operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11248403B2Vehicle door handle with sensitive actuator

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 U SHIN ITALIA SPA

AI summary

A vehicle door handle includes a coupling device having a handle lever movable between a flush position in which the handle lever is flush with an exterior door panel surface, a ready position in which the handle lever is extended and graspable by a user, and an inwards pushed position. The handle lever includes a handle lever shaft rotatively connected to a handle lever base. The vehicle door handle further includes a positioning device, at least one reduction mechanism driven in rotation by an electric motor and driving in rotation the handle lever shaft, and an electronic control unit operable to create a motor short circuit so as to generate a torque resistance on the handle lever.