Vehicle Door Handle Module With Sealed Wireless Security Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door handle devices for vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, have long series production times, limited functionalities, and are prone to weather-related malfunctions, requiring significant assembly effort for upgrades and lacking modern electronic functions.

Innovation Solution

A door handle module with a sealed housing containing an electronic unit for wireless communication, enabling remote control of security systems, including access control, and featuring a design that is easy to mount, weather-resistant, and cost-effective, with options for retrofitting existing handle devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic units are upgraded on conventional handle devices, then modern electronic functions are added, but assembly effort and modification complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic functionsVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle device is divided into separate functional modules: a mechanical base unit and a separate electronic door handle module that can be independently assembled. This segmentation allows the electronic functions to be added as a discrete module without requiring complex modification of the entire handle device, thereby reducing assembly effort while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door handle module is designed as a universal component that can be mounted on various handle device types. The module integrates multiple functions (electronic control, communication elements, security system integration) into a single standardized unit, allowing it to be adapted to different vehicle models and handle configurations without requiring custom modifications for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic units are exposed on conventional handle devices, then wireless communication functions are enabled, but weather resistance and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communicationVSAvoidweather resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic unit with wireless communication elements is nested inside a sealed housing that forms part of the door handle module. This nested structure protects the sensitive electronic components from weather elements (rain, snow, extreme temperatures) while maintaining their functionality. The sealed housing acts as a protective envelope that isolates the electronic unit from the harsh external environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed housing and mounting structure serve as an intermediary between the electronic unit and the external environment. This intermediary layer allows wireless communication signals to pass through (maintaining adaptability) while physically protecting the electronic components from weather-related damage (improving reliability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If handle devices are designed for long service life, then production time is extended, but modern functionalities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidfunctional range
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The handle device incorporates dynamic upgradability through the modular door handle module that can be installed on existing mechanical handle devices. This allows the system to evolve over time: older vehicles can start with basic mechanical handles and later receive electronic module upgrades, while newer vehicles come with integrated electronic functions. The mechanical base ensures long service life, while the optional electronic module adds modern functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical handle device is designed with pre-prepared mounting structures and interfaces that anticipate future electronic module installation. This preliminary design includes standardized mounting receptacles and connection points that enable easy integration of electronic functions later, allowing the base device to have a long production cycle while still supporting future functional expansions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a sealed housing is used for the electronic unit, then weather resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed housing for the electronic unit is merged with the door handle module structure itself. Rather than creating a separate enclosed chamber, the housing is integrated into the existing handle module design, combining the protective enclosure with the functional assembly. This merging approach maintains weather resistance while avoiding the need for separate manufacturing processes for the housing and module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the handle module, creates a sealed environment for the electronic unit, and maintains the aerodynamic and aesthetic design of the handle device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the sealed design requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3441266B1Door handle module
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3441266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3441266B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a door handle module (100) for a handle device (202) of a movable part (201) of a vehicle (200), in particular a commercial vehicle, comprising: a housing (10) in which a receptacle (11) is formed in which an electronic unit (12) for controlling a safety system (203) of the vehicle (200) is arranged, wherein the electronic unit (12) has at least one communication element (12a, 12b) for exchanging data with a vehicle-external communication unit (50).