Flush Vehicle Door Handle Assembly Without a Handle Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handle arrangements are complex and costly to assemble, requiring significant installation space and often necessitating a conventional handle recess, which can be avoided with a more efficient and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional and multisensory handle arrangement featuring self-centering coupling interfaces between sensor modules and structural components, allowing for easy assembly and reduced installation space, with sensor modules automatically connecting for electrical and mechanical functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional handle arrangements are used, then multiple sensor modules and components can be integrated, but the assembly process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor module is nested within the handle element structure, with the coupling interface integrated into the handle element. The second sensor module is arranged on the door support structure and couples with the first sensor module, creating a nested modular arrangement that simplifies assembly while maintaining multiple sensing functions
Solution Approach 2:
The handle arrangement is segmented into distinct modular components: the handle element containing the first sensor module, and the door support structure containing the second sensor module. Each module has its own coupling interface, allowing independent assembly and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional handle arrangements are used, then multiple functions can be achieved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor modules are merged into a compact handle arrangement where the first sensor module is integrated into the handle element and the second sensor module is positioned on the door support structure. The coupling interface merges the electrical and mechanical connections between modules, reducing the overall installation space while maintaining multiple switching functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional handle arrangements are used, then sensor modules can be integrated, but the need for a handle recess increases manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor modules are extracted from the conventional handle recess configuration and repositioned into a flush mounting arrangement. The first sensor module is integrated into the handle element and the second sensor module is positioned on the door support structure, eliminating the need for a separate handle recess and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
4Ease of operation
If automatic coupling interfaces are used, then assembly is simplified, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface is designed with self-centering capability, allowing the first and second sensor modules to automatically align and connect during assembly. The complementary coupling interfaces on the handle element and door support structure engage automatically, enabling self-service assembly that simplifies the assembly process while the self-centering mechanism manages the complexity of precise alignment
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 solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and easy-to-assemble vehicle door handle system that eliminates the need for a conventional handle recess, achieving a flush design while supporting multiple switching functions with reduced installation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coupling interface for automatic coupling of the first sensor module with a vehicle-side component, in particular a door support structure, for example a structural section, a shaft strip and/or a support strip, and/or with the handle element and/or optionally with the second sensor module
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle door (1) with a handle assembly (2), wherein the vehicle door (1) comprises at least: - a door support structure (3), and - a channel strip (8) arranged on the upper side of the door support structure (3), wherein the handle assembly (2) comprises at least one handle element (9) and at least one first sensor module (12), wherein the first sensor module (12) can be arranged and fixed externally on an upper surface of the door support structure (3), and wherein the first sensor module (12) comprises at least one coupling interface (15) for automatically coupling the first sensor module (12) with the handle element (9) and/or with an optional second sensor module (13). The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a vehicle door.