Flush Door Handle With Pressure Detection for Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric door handles for motor vehicles lack a solution for opening the door in case of electronic failure and can inadvertently open due to touch-type interfaces without user activation.
Innovation Solution
A door leaf handle with a gripping element that includes both electronic and mechanical opening zones, where the gripping element is movable and connected to levers, featuring a detection device to send an opening signal only upon predetermined pressure, allowing manual operation in case of electronic failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch-type interface is used for electric door opening, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent opening without user activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from simple contact (capacitive/inductive sensing) to pressure-sensitive detection. The pressure-sensitive device requires a minimum threshold force to activate, filtering out accidental touches while allowing intentional user activation. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through simple pressing action while improving reliability through threshold-based activation.
2Shape
If a mechanical handle is removed for aesthetic purposes, then appearance is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of manual opening capability during electronic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gripping element multi-functional: it serves as both an aesthetic flush-mounted component and a mechanical opening device. When pressed, it activates the electronic opening system; when the electronic system fails, it can be manually pulled to mechanically eject the door leaf. This universality resolves the contradiction by maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring reliability through dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a mechanical ejection system as a backup before electronic failure can occur. The ejection system with rack and pinion is pre-positioned and ready to operate manually if needed, providing beforehand cushioning against the potential failure mode of electronic system malfunction.
3Shape
If the handle is made flush with the door leaf, then appearance is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced grip accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gripping element dynamic rather than static. It can remain flush with the door leaf surface for aesthetic purposes, but when activated (either electronically or manually), it moves outward to a deployed position that provides full gripping accessibility. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by maintaining aesthetic appearance in the resting state while providing ease of operation during activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle of a door leaf for a motor vehicle includes a gripping element and a detection device. The gripping element includes an external surface facing outside of a vehicle passenger compartment and an internal surface facing inside of the vehicle passenger compartment. The gripping element is movable relative to a support and fixed to at least one lever configured to displace the gripping element. The gripping element is flush with the door leaf in a closed position. The detection device is configured to detect a predetermined pressure exerted on the gripping element and to send, when such predetermined pressure is detected, an opening signal of the door leaf to an opening device configured to open the door leaf. The detection device is disposed relative to the gripping element on the internal surface of the gripping element.