Fluidic Elastomer Door Handle Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional door handles in vehicles are prone to mechanical failure and wear due to their reliance on hard robotics and electromechanical components, which can lead to aerodynamic drag and exposure to damage when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A soft robotics-based door handle system utilizing fluidic elastomer actuators that remain flush with the vehicle's surface until needed, using stimuli such as fluidic stress, heat, light, or electricity to reconfigure and present the lever for operation, protecting the underlying components and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hard robotics and electromechanical components are used in door handles, then the door handle can be reliably operated, but the components are prone to mechanical failure and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor handle operational reliabilityVSAvoiddoor handle lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional hard robotics and electromechanical components with soft robotics materials that respond to electrical stimuli. The soft robotics material encloses the lever and can be actuated to present or conceal the lever, eliminating rigid mechanical linkages and reducing mechanical wear while maintaining operational reliability through electrical actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a soft robotics material as a flexible enclosing structure that can deform to present or conceal the lever. This flexible material protects the underlying mechanical components from exposure and damage, reducing wear while allowing the door handle to function reliably when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the door handle protrudes from the vehicle surface for easy operation, then the lever is accessible to users, but aerodynamic drag increases and the handle is exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelever accessibilityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag and damage exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic door handle system where the soft robotics material can change its shape and position based on operational needs. When not in use, the material remains flush with the vehicle surface to minimize aerodynamic drag and protect the lever. When operation is needed, the material deforms to present the lever for easy user access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The soft robotics material acts as a flexible shell that can conform to different positions. In the retracted state, it provides a smooth surface aligned with the door panel to reduce aerodynamic drag. When actuated, it flexes to expose the lever while still providing protection during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the soft robotics material is manipulated into an in-use state, then the door handle is presented for use, but mechanical stress is applied to the material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor handle usabilityVSAvoidsoft robotics material durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with electrical stimulation of the soft robotics material. This substitution reduces the mechanical stress applied to the material during actuation, as electrical fields can deform the material more gently than mechanical linkages, thereby improving durability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 soft robotics-based door handle system enhances the lifespan of the vehicle door handle by minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining a smooth surface appearance, while avoiding the limitations of traditional mechanical solutions.

Implementation Method 1

manipulating the soft robotics material comprises applying one or more stimuli to the soft robotics material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidic stress: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Elastomers are polymers with viscosity and elasticity (i.e., viscoelasticity), with properties allowing considerable molecular reconformation without breaking the covalent bonds holding the atoms together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11486173B2Fluidic elastomer actuator-based mechanical control systems for vehicle door handles

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Systems and methods for a fluidic elastomer actuator-based handle is provided. A processor determines when a person is approaching a vehicle door and, in response to determining a person is approaching the vehicle door, the processor determines if the door handle is necessary based on a determined intent of the person. If the intent is determined to open the door, the processor manipulates a soft robotics material enclosing the door handle into an in-use state to present the handle to the person through the application of one or more stimuli. When not in a rest state, the soft robotics material provides a smooth surface aligned with a surface of the door panel.