Flush Vehicle Door Handle With Integrated Camera Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door handles that protrude externally hinder vehicle aesthetics, cause noise due to air resistance, and reduce driving performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle equipped with a camera module that is integrated into a flush handle, which can be automatically or manually operated to protrude from the door panel, and includes a motor module for rotating the camera, a cleaner for lens maintenance, and a design that minimizes external exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes to the outside of the vehicle, then the door handle can be easily gripped by an occupant, but it hinders the appearance of the vehicle, causes noise due to air resistance, and reduces driving performance
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to dynamically change its position between protruding and retracted states. During driving, it remains retracted to minimize aerodynamic resistance and improve appearance. When door opening is detected, it protrudes to enable easy gripping. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a manual gripping point for door opening and a mounting platform for the camera module. The camera module itself becomes part of the handle structure, allowing the handle to perform surveillance functions while maintaining its primary door-opening function, thus addressing both ergonomic and aesthetic requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes to the outside of the vehicle, then the door handle can be easily gripped by an occupant, but it hinders the appearance of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle transitions between protruding and retracted states based on operational needs. When retracted, it maintains a flush appearance with the door surface, enhancing vehicle aesthetics. When protruding, it provides the necessary grip for door opening, thus resolving the appearance-ergonomics contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is nested within the door handle structure, with the handle serving as both a functional gripping element and a housing for the camera. This nesting allows the camera to be integrated seamlessly into the handle design, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling surveillance functionality.
3Loss of information
If the camera module is exposed to the outside of the handle housing, then the camera can photograph surroundings of the vehicle, but the lens may be contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the camera lens and the external environment. The cover remains transparent to allow light transmission for photography but physically blocks contaminants from reaching the lens. The cover can open or retract when door opening is detected, enabling camera operation while protecting the lens during normal driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is positioned in advance to shield the lens before contamination can occur. The cover is designed to be transparent, allowing the camera to capture images without direct exposure to external contaminants. This preliminary protection mechanism prevents lens contamination while maintaining imaging capability.
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
Enhances vehicle aesthetics, reduces noise, improves aerodynamics, and provides enhanced field of view by integrating a camera for surrounding monitoring, while maintaining functionality and cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
a motor module operable to rotate the camera module
Implementation Method 2
a link screw connected to the motor body and rotated by an operation of the motor body, and a screw bar. One end of the screw bar is connected to the camera module and the other end of the screw bar is connected to the link screw, and thus the screw bar may move according to a rotation of the link screw
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle of a vehicle includes a handle housing installed on a door of the vehicle and on which an insertion groove is formed, a handle inner member inserted into the insertion groove of the handle housing and operable to protrude from the insertion groove, and a camera module installed on the handle inner member to be exposed when the handle inner member protrudes.