Vehicle Door Handle Switch Stroke for Unlock Timing

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing vehicle systems, pressing a push-button switch to generate an unlocking signal results in a delay between the button press and the completion of the lock rod unlocking operation, leading to an unsatisfactory user experience due to the need to wait before opening the door.

Innovation Solution

A switch device with an intermediate element that allows the button to have a longer pressing stroke by transmitting the pressing force through a deformable intermediate element, enabling the switch to turn on before the button is fully pressed, and allowing the button to continue moving to synchronize with the lock rod's unlocking time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the button is pressed directly to activate the switch, then the unlocking signal is generated quickly, but the button press duration is too short to synchronize with the lock rod unlocking time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking signal generation speedVSAvoidbutton press duration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate element (push rod) between the button and the switch. This intermediary component allows the button to continue moving forward after the switch is activated, extending the button press duration to match the lock rod unlocking time while the switch generates the unlocking signal promptly upon initial contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the button press action into two distinct phases: the first phase activates the switch to generate the unlocking signal, and the second phase continues the button movement to synchronize with the lock rod unlocking completion, achieving both quick signal generation and prolonged action duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the button press stroke is extended to synchronize with lock rod unlocking, then the user experience is improved, but the switch activation is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidswitch activation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate element is pre-configured to make contact with the switch at the beginning of the button press stroke, triggering the unlocking signal generation in advance before the button completes its full travel distance, thus eliminating activation delay while maintaining synchronized button press duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a direct connection between button and switch is used, then the structure is simple, but the button press duration cannot be extended to match lock rod unlocking time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidbutton press duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate element (push rod) between the button and the switch. This intermediary component allows the button to continue moving forward after the switch is activated, extending the button press duration to match the lock rod unlocking time while the switch generates the unlocking signal promptly upon initial contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the button press action into two distinct phases: the first phase activates the switch to generate the unlocking signal, and the second phase continues the button movement to synchronize with the lock rod unlocking completion, achieving both quick signal generation and prolonged action duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution compensates for the lag time in the unlocking operation, allowing the user to open the door immediately after pressing the button, enhancing the user experience by eliminating the need to wait for the lock rod to unlock.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate element that is at least partially deformable, the intermediate element is drivingly connected to the button, and is operatively engaged with the pressed portion of the switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260051446A1Switch Device, Handle Device, and Vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC

AI summary

A switch device, a handle device, and a vehicle. The switch device includes a housing with an opening, a switch positioned inside the housing, a button mounted at the opening, and a partially deformable intermediate element. The switch has a pressed portion that changes between an off state and an on state in response to a pressing force. When the button is pressed, it moves toward the switch, driving the intermediate element to press the pressed portion and switch it to the on state. After activation, the intermediate element allows the button to continue moving toward the switch for a short distance. This arrangement enables a user to open a door immediately after pressing the switch, eliminating delays and enhancing the user experience.