Fixed Vehicle Door Pull Handle With Electronic Unlatching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door handles require manual movement to unlatch the door, which can be inconvenient and prone to wear, especially in modern vehicles with advanced locking systems.

Innovation Solution

A rigid, immovably fixed door handle structure integrated with the vehicle's belt reinforcement, allowing for an electrically-powered latch mechanism that can be actuated without moving the handle, combined with a cantilevered outer grip portion for user operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a moving handle is used to unlatch the door, then the door can be opened manually, but the handle is prone to wear and requires frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle durabilityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical moving handle system with an electrically-powered latch mechanism. The handle becomes a fixed structural element that serves only as a grip point, while an electric motor actuates the latch through a drive mechanism, eliminating mechanical wear from handle movement and significantly improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the handle is fixed to the door structure, then the structure is simplified and durability is improved, but the door cannot be opened without electronic actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidoperation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed handle structure serves multiple functions: it provides a structural anchor point, a user grip interface, and a mounting position for the electronic actuation mechanism. The system accommodates both manual operation (user applies force to the fixed handle) and electronic operation (motor actuates the latch), making it versatile while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an electrically-powered latch mechanism is used, then handle movement is eliminated reducing wear, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the handle structure with the electronic actuation system by integrating the motor, drive mechanism, and latch into a single assembled unit mounted within the handle assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining the wear-resistant benefit of the fixed handle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11897320B2Open loop fixed outside pull handle integrated with door belt seal

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.