Flush Vehicle Door Handle with Powered Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door handles protrude from the door, interfering with styling and aerodynamics, and existing solutions fail to provide a seamless integration with the vehicle's exterior design while ensuring easy operation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A deployable door handle system with a powered actuator that moves the handle from a retracted, flush position to an extended position, allowing 360-degree grip for easy operation, and includes features like a self-locking worm gear mechanism and a keyless entry system for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes from the door, then it provides easy operation and visibility, but it interferes with vehicle styling and aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle transitions from a static protruding structure to a dynamic deployable structure that changes position between retracted (flush with door surface) and deployed (protruding for operation) states, resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic smoothness and operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The handle member is nested within a cavity in the door structure when retracted, allowing it to be hidden within the door body contour, and deployed outward when needed, maintaining the smooth exterior shape while providing functional access
2Shape
If the door handle is retracted flush with the door surface, then vehicle aesthetics and aerodynamics are improved, but access to the handle for operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle member dynamically changes position between retracted and deployed states, allowing it to be flush with the door surface for aesthetic purposes and protrude for operational access, eliminating the need to choose between the two conflicting requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The handle member is preliminarily positioned in a deployed state upon approach detection or user interaction, providing immediate accessibility before the user actually needs to operate it, while maintaining a retracted aesthetic appearance during normal vehicle display
3Adaptability or versatility
If a powered actuator is added to deploy the handle, then automated operation and enhanced functionality are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of the handle is replaced with an automated powered actuator system that uses electric motors and control circuits to deploy and retract the handle, adding versatility through automated detection and actuation while managing complexity through integrated control systems
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 system improves vehicle aesthetics and aerodynamics by maintaining a flush exterior while providing easy door operation and enhanced security through keyless entry and mechanical backup, ensuring reliable functionality even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
a powered actuator operably connected to the handle member to provide movement of the handle member from the retracted position to the deployed position and from the deployed position to the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A flush door handle includes a powered actuator that shifts the handle from a fully retracted position to an intermediate position. A user can then grasp the handle, and pull the handle to a fully open position to thereby unlatch the door latch. After a user releases the handle, it shifts to a closed position due to spring force or a powered actuator. The door latch may also comprise a fully powered version wherein the handle shifts from a closed position to an open position, and a powered door latch releases the door latch if predefined conditions are detected.