Flush Door Handle Mechanism for Single-Action Unlatching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handle mechanisms require multiple operations to unlock the door, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door device with a latch mechanism, door handle, and electrical or mechanical unlatch operation mechanisms that allow the door to be unlocked with a single action, such as pressing a button, and includes a door handle projecting mechanism to move from a flush position to a protruding position for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional door handle mechanism is used, then the door can be locked securely, but the occupant needs to perform multiple operations (push and pull) to unlock the door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door handle projection function and the unlatch operation function into a single integrated mechanism. When the door handle is pulled from the retracted position to the protruding position, this single motion simultaneously triggers both the handle projection and the latch release, eliminating the need for separate push and pull operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle is preliminarily positioned in a retracted state that is ready to be pulled. The mechanism is pre-configured so that the pulling motion itself activates the unlatch operation,无需 preliminary pushing to initiate the unlocking sequence.
2Ease of operation
If the door handle is always protruding for easy operation, then the occupant can easily grip and operate it, but the aerodynamic performance and appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed as a dynamic component that can change its position between retracted and protruding states. This dynamic adjustment allows the handle to be flush with the door surface during normal conditions for aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appearance, while becoming accessible when needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle operates in the dimensional space by moving along the door surface normal direction. It transitions from a retracted position (flush with door surface) to a protruding position (extending outward), utilizing the third dimension to resolve the conflict between aerodynamic efficiency and operational accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If an electrical unlatch mechanism is added to simplify operation, then the door can be unlocked with a single action, but the device complexity and power dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle mechanism serves itself by using the pulling motion of the handle itself to trigger the unlatch operation. The handle's own movement activates the switch or actuator that releases the latch, eliminating the need for separate control systems or additional operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional complex mechanical linkage systems with a simplified electrical or electronic switching mechanism. The door handle pulling action directly activates an electrical switch or sensor that controls the unlatch operation, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of use.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the door handle is designed to be flush with the door surface, then the aerodynamic performance improves, but the operator cannot easily grip and operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle transitions from a static flush position to a dynamic protruding position when activated. This dynamic behavior allows the handle to maintain aerodynamic efficiency during normal driving conditions while becoming easily grippable when the driver needs to open the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle is preliminarily positioned in the retracted flush state for aerodynamic efficiency. When operation is needed, the pulling action preliminarily extends the handle outward, making it accessible for gripping while simultaneously initiating the unlatch sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door device includes: a latch mechanism configured to be switchable between a latch state and an unlatch state; a door handle configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; a door handle projecting mechanism configured to move the door handle from the first position to the second position when a press portion provided on an outer surface of the door handle or in a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the door handle is pressed; and an electrical unlatch operation mechanism including a switch and an electric actuator, the switch being operated by the door handle or the door handle projecting mechanism when the press portion is pressed, and the electric actuator being configured so that, when the switch is operated, the electric actuator is operated to switch the latch mechanism from a latch state to an unlatch state.