Flush Door Handle with Mechanical Push-to-Deploy Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door handles often protrude when not in use, compromising aesthetics and safety, and rely on electric actuators for deployment, which are costly and require maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An extendable flush door handle assembly that recesses when not in use, deploying mechanically via a push-to-actuate mechanism, allowing manual operation without electric components, featuring a handle portion that pivots from a recessed to a deployed position and back, using a deployment mechanism with a cable pull cam and handle return cam to actuate the latch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes outward to be easily graspable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to be dynamic rather than static, transitioning between a retracted position (when not in use) and a deployed position (when needed for operation). This allows the handle to adapt its state based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is nested within the door panel when not in use, with the handle portion recessed into a cavity in the base portion. This nesting approach allows the handle to be compact and aesthetically pleasing when retracted, while still providing full functionality when deployed.
2Extent of automation
If electric actuators are used to deploy the handle, then the automation is improved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle deployment mechanism is self-actuating through a push-button interface that directly engages the deployment mechanism. This eliminates the need for electric actuators, motors, or complex control systems, reducing cost and maintenance requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electric actuation systems with a purely mechanical deployment mechanism. The push-button interface mechanically engages a deployment mechanism that pivots the handle portion outward, eliminating the need for electric motors, sensors, or electronic control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is kept deployed for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vulnerability to damage and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle transitions dynamically between a protected retracted state and an operational deployed state. When not in use, the handle is recessed within the door panel, protecting it from damage and theft. When needed, it deploys to provide easy access for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is pre-positioned in a protected, retracted state within the door panel. The deployment mechanism is pre-configured to pivot the handle outward when the push-button is actuated, ensuring the handle is accessible only when operation is needed, thereby reducing vulnerability to damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior door handle assembly includes a base, a handle, and a deployment mechanism operable to move the handle between a recessed position and a deployed position. The deployment mechanism includes a return cam biased in a first direction relative to the base. The deployment mechanism, with the handle in the recessed position, secures the return cam relative to the base. The handle is manually movable beyond the recessed position away from the deployed position to actuate the deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism, responsive to being actuated, releases the return cam and the return cam moves in the first direction to move the handle toward the deployed position. The handle is manually movable beyond the deployed position away from the recessed position to actuate a latch of the door. The deployment mechanism, responsive to the handle actuating the latch, moves the handle toward the recessed position.