Motor Vehicle Emergency Door Handle Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical emergency handle door releases in motor vehicles are large, heavy, expensive, and not intuitively accessible, often compromising the design of electrically actuated door systems and being underutilized due to their infrequent need.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, low-cost, integrated emergency handle door release system with a pivotable handle and spring mechanism, mounted near the map pocket, featuring a housing with pivot bosses and a lever for easy operation, which includes a door latch release cable end fitting and is designed to be stowed and actuated, ensuring intuitive access and minimal componentry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional mechanical emergency handle door release is used, then the door can be opened without electrical power, but the system becomes large, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency handle mechanism with the existing door latch assembly, integrating the release cable, pivot mechanism, and handle into a unified structure that utilizes the door latch's existing components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate, bulky mechanical emergency release systems while maintaining backup door opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency handle mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides manual door release capability, integrates with the electrical door latch system, and utilizes the existing door structure. The pivot mechanism and release cable work together with the door latch assembly to provide both normal electrical operation and emergency manual operation through a single integrated system.
2Reliability
If a traditional mechanical emergency handle door release is used, then the door can be opened without electrical power, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency handle mechanism with the existing door latch assembly, integrating the release cable, pivot mechanism, and handle into a unified structure that utilizes the door latch's existing components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate, bulky mechanical emergency release systems while maintaining backup door opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency handle mechanism uses inexpensive, readily available components such as standard pivot bosses, release cables, and plastic housing that can be manufactured cost-effectively. The design prioritizes using basic mechanical elements over expensive specialized components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If an interior location emergency handle is used, then the mechanical release is available, but it is not readily observable or intuitive for occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the emergency handle from a conventional interior location to an exterior location on the door surface. This dimensional relocation places the handle in a visible and accessible position that occupants can easily locate and operate from the outside, eliminating the problem of hidden interior mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency handle is designed with visual differentiation through color coding or contrast against the door panel. The handle or its housing may use a distinct color or finish that makes it readily observable and identifiable as the emergency release mechanism, helping occupants locate and understand its function quickly in emergency situations.
4Reliability
If a traditional style door latch handle is used, then the mechanical backup is available, but the styling and design benefits of e-latch systems are obviated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency handle mechanism with the existing door latch assembly, integrating the release cable, pivot mechanism, and handle into a unified structure that utilizes the door latch's existing components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate, bulky mechanical emergency release systems while maintaining backup door opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency handle mechanism is designed with localized integration into the door latch assembly, where only the necessary functional components are added to the existing structure. This approach preserves the overall aesthetic appearance of the door handle while incorporating the mechanical backup function, allowing the e-latch system's design benefits to remain intact.
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 provides a simple, robust, and easy-to-operate emergency door release that is both cost-effective and aesthetically compatible with electrically actuated systems, ensuring vehicle occupants can open doors without electrical power while maintaining the design integrity of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
A spring has a first leg disposed against a surface of the housing and a second leg disposed against a surface of the pivotable handle urging the pivotable handle to the stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle emergency handle door release comprises a housing having a pair of opposed walls and one of a pair of opposed pivot bosses disposed on an interior surface of each of the opposed walls. A pivotable handle comprises a pivot mount, a lever disposed on one side of the pivot mount, and a door latch release cable end fitting disposed on another side of the pivot mount. The pivot mount includes a pair of opposed pivots extending laterally from the pivot mount of the pivotable handle that are received within the pivot bosses disposed on the interior surface of each of the opposed walls. A spring having a first leg is disposed against a surface of the housing and a second leg is disposed against a surface of the pivotable handle, urging the pivotable handle to a stowed position.