Flush Door Handle Safety via Magnetic Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing door handle designs that are flush with the door surface or partially retractable pose a safety risk as users' fingers or extremities can get caught between the handle and the recess edge during automated retraction, leading to potential harm.

Innovation Solution

A door handle assembly with a magnetic attachment means that limits the force exerted during retraction, using magnets or sensors to prevent injury by ensuring the handle remains motionless if an obstacle is detected, allowing users to safely remove their extremities before retraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the door handle is made flush with the door surface or partially retracted into the door, then the aesthetic appearance and surface smoothness are improved, but the safety of users is worsened due to the risk of fingers or extremities being caught during automated retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflush surface appearanceVSAvoidpinch injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a magnetic attachment means with limited holding force to cushion the handle during retraction. The magnetic force is calibrated to be sufficient for normal retraction but insufficient to cause injury if a finger or extremity is caught, thereby preventing harmful effects before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of attachment force by using magnetic attachment means with specifically calibrated holding force. The magnetic force parameter is set to allow automated retraction while limiting the maximum force to safe levels, resolving the contradiction between flush surface appearance and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If automated retraction mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety is worsened due to uncontrolled movement during retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic handle retractionVSAvoiduncontrolled motion injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of retraction force control by implementing automated retraction with calibrated magnetic attachment means. The automated system controls the retraction speed and force, while the magnetic attachment limitens the maximum force to safe levels, maintaining ease of operation while preventing uncontrolled motion injuries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by using sensors to detect the presence of fingers or extremities during retraction. When an obstacle is detected, the system provides feedback to stop or slow the retraction mechanism, preventing harmful effects while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If strong attachment means is used to secure the handle, then the reliability of handle mounting is improved, but the safety during retraction is worsened due to excessive force on obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle mounting strengthVSAvoidexcessive retraction force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of attachment force by using magnetic attachment means with specifically calibrated holding force. The magnetic force is sufficient to reliably mount the handle and enable automated retraction, but limited to safe levels to prevent excessive force on obstacles such as fingers or extremities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents bodily harm by limiting the force exerted on users' extremities during retraction, ensuring safe operation of the door handle without causing discomfort or injury.

Implementation Method 1

attachment means uses magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3728766B1Door handle assembly with safety function

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 PIRNAR D O O

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AI summary

This invention deals with a door handle which is normally hidden within the door, be it either completely flush with a door surface, or partially protruding from said door surface. If an user wants to use said handle, said user activates said handle using state of the art actuating means. Said user may either depress said handle, or triggers mechanism by some other means such as breaking a light beam, actuating proximity sensor, depressing a button or some similar mechanism, for example, with a fingerprint, electrostatic triggering, or some other security protocol known in the art.