Vehicle Door Handle Sleeve for Forced-Entry Torque Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger vehicle cabin security systems are vulnerable to unauthorized entry through forced manipulation of the door handle assembly, which can lead to unauthorized access and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly with a sleeve that covers the lock stem, isolating external forces or torques applied to the lock stem from the back panel, preventing the transmission of sufficient force to break the panel and unlock the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock stem is directly connected to the back panel, then the door lock can be actuated by applying force to the lock stem, but the back panel can be broken by sufficient external force applied to the lock stem
Solution Approach 1:
A force-limiting mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the lock stem and the back panel. This mechanism allows torque to be transmitted from the lock stem to actuate the door lock, but limits the maximum force that can be transmitted to prevent breaking the back panel. The force-limiting mechanism effectively mediates between the need for operational ease and the need for structural strength.
2Ease of operation
If the lock assembly is accessible through the back panel, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but unauthorized entry can occur through forced manipulation of the lock assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting mechanism acts as a protective intermediary that prevents harmful forces from reaching the lock assembly while allowing normal operation. This mediator blocks the transmission of excessive torque that would result from forced manipulation, thereby preventing unauthorized entry while maintaining the door locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The force-limiting mechanism converts the potential harm of forced entry attempts into a beneficial protective feature. By deliberately designing the mechanism to fail or slip at a predetermined force threshold, the system transforms what would be a vulnerability (direct connection allowing force transmission) into a security feature that prevents damage and unauthorized access.
3Power
If external force is transmitted through the lock stem to the back panel, then the door lock can be actuated, but the back panel may break under sufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The force-limiting mechanism changes the torque parameter transmission characteristics between the lock stem and back panel. It allows torque within a safe range to be transmitted for normal lock actuation, but automatically limits or blocks torque exceeding the predetermined threshold, thereby protecting the back panel from breaking while maintaining adequate power for legitimate operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock, a panel assembly, a door handle, and a sleeve. The door lock adjusts a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position. The door lock includes a lock assembly and a lock stem. The panel assembly mounts to the door and receives at least the lock assembly of the door lock into a slotted portion of a back panel. The door handle includes a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion with an opening configured to receive at least the lock stem of the door lock. The sleeve fits over the lock stem and rotates about the lock stem in response to an external force or an external torque applied to the sleeve.