Extendable Vehicle Door Handle Assembly for Drag and Ice Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles protrude outward when not in use, creating aerodynamic drag and aesthetic issues, and often have recesses that accumulate ice.
Innovation Solution
A door handle assembly with a base portion and a handle portion that moves between a recessed and partially extended position, actuated by an electromechanical system in response to triggers like a key fob or passive entry system, providing a flush appearance and enhancing aerodynamics while allowing easy grasping when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes from the vehicle surface when not in use, then the handle is easily accessible and graspable, but the aerodynamics are degraded and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to dynamically change its position between a retracted state (flush with door surface) and an extended state (protruding for grasping). The actuator mechanism enables the handle to move between these states, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and eliminate aerodynamic drag when the handle is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle system integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a cosmetic surface element (when retracted) and a functional gripping element (when extended). The single handle assembly thus fulfills both aesthetic/aerodynamic requirements and operational accessibility requirements through its dual-state capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the door handle is flush with the door panel when not in use, then aerodynamics and aesthetics are improved, but the handle is difficult to access especially with gloved hands or in winter conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically extending the handle to an accessible position before the user needs to grasp it. This can be triggered by proximity sensors detecting the user's approach, or by contact sensors detecting when a hand (gloved or bare) approaches the door, thereby preparing the handle for easy grasping without requiring the user to dig into a flush surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle system uses self-service through automated sensing and actuation. Sensors detect user presence or contact and automatically trigger the actuator to extend the handle, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of a flush handle and providing assistance particularly valuable when users have gloved hands or are dealing with winter conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes outwardly, then the handle is easily grasped, but ice buildup occurs more readily in winter conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning of the handle reduces the time it remains in a protruding state exposed to cold temperatures. When not in use, the handle retracts to a flush position that is less susceptible to ice accumulation. Even when extended for use, the reduced surface area compared to traditional protruding handles minimizes ice buildup, and the handle can be quickly retracted after use to prevent prolonged exposure to freezing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular access system includes a door handle assembly having (i) a base mounted at a door of a vehicle, (ii) a handle movable relative to the base and (iii) an electrically operable actuator that is electrically operated to move the handle relative to the base. The handle is movable between a recessed position and a partially extended position. The vehicular access system controls operation of the electrically operable actuator to move the handle between the recessed position and the partially extended position. The vehicular access system detects an authorized user and determines movement of the detected authorized user. Responsive to determination that the authorized user is approaching the door of the vehicle, the vehicular access system unlocks the door handle assembly and controls operation of the electrically operable actuator to move the handle to the partially extended position.