Flexible Pull Handle for Compact Emergency Door Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door locks with emergency opening devices often require a long actuation path for the pull handle, which can lead to operating errors and functional impairments, especially in compact designs and electric locks where additional loading mechanisms are not available.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pull handle made of elastic material, such as rubber, that deforms to exert a stroke on the traction mechanism, allowing for a compact and reliable emergency opening without the need for a large actuation path or additional loading, and is designed as a hose nozzle to overlap the traction means for cost-effectiveness and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed pull handle connected to the end of the traction element is used, then the emergency opening device can be operated manually, but a long actuation stroke is required which is not available in compact designs and leads to operating errors
Solution Approach 1:
The pull handle is changed from a rigid structure to a flexible structure made of elastic material. This parameter change allows the handle to deform and generate stroke internally, eliminating the need for a long linear actuation path while maintaining reliable operation of the emergency opening device
Solution Approach 2:
The pull handle is designed with a curved or bent configuration that can deform elastically. When actuated, the curved handle straightens or deforms further, converting the deformation into useful stroke on the traction element. This curvature-based design enables compact actuation space while achieving the necessary mechanical displacement
2Ease of operation
If a long actuation stroke is provided for the pull handle, then the emergency opening device can be actuated, but it leads to incorrect operation and functional impairments
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter from rigid to elastic, the pull handle can provide tactile feedback through deformation while maintaining a short actuation distance. The elastic material naturally limits the stroke to appropriate levels, preventing over-actuation and ensuring reliable operation without requiring long movement paths
3Volume of moving object
If the pull handle is made flexible and elastic, then a compact design is achieved with reduced actuation path, but additional loading mechanisms are not available in electric locks
Solution Approach 1:
The stroke-generating function is extracted from a separate mechanical loading mechanism and integrated directly into the pull handle itself. The elastic handle deformation provides the necessary stroke without requiring additional cables, springs, or complex transmission mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The pull handle serves dual functions: it acts as both the actuating lever and the stroke-generating element through its elastic deformation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate loading mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the compact design required for modern electric locks
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
Ensures functional reliability and compactness by allowing the emergency opening device to operate effectively even in scenarios where electric motors fail, without requiring the door lock to be in the 'unlocked' position, and secures the manipulation opening against unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
the pull handle, which is made of an elastic material and is flexible, is deformed when actuated and exerts a stroke on the traction element through the deformation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor vehicle which is equipped with at least one cover (2) such as a motor vehicle door (2), a tailgate, a bonnet, a fuel fill flap etc. Also provided is a motor vehicle door lock (4) associated with the cover (2), and finally an emergency opening device (9, 10) for the motor vehicle door lock (4). The emergency opening device (9, 10) is equipped with a pull handle (9) and a connected pulling means (10) for acting upon the motor vehicle door lock (4). According to the invention, the pull handle (9) is flexible and, when actuated, deforms the pulling means (10).