Vehicular Flush Door Handle With Variable Speed Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles protrude outward when not in use, compromising the vehicle's aerodynamics and aesthetics, and may not be easily accessible or usable in certain conditions.
Innovation Solution
An extendable flush door handle assembly that recesses the handle portion when not in use, with an electrically operable actuator that moves the handle portion outward for use, allowing for easy grasping and operation, and returns to its recessed position after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door handle protrudes outward when not in use, then the handle is easily accessible and usable, but the vehicle's aerodynamics and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to dynamically change its position between a recessed state (when not in use) and an extended state (when activated). The actuator mechanism enables the handle to move outward from the recessed position, providing ease of operation only when needed, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during normal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion is nested within the door panel when not in use, with the outer surface of the handle being substantially flush with the outer surface of the door panel. This nesting arrangement eliminates protruding elements that would create aerodynamic drag, while the handle can be extended outward when activation is detected.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the door handle is recessed when not in use, then aerodynamics and aesthetics are improved, but the handle may not be easily accessible or usable in certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically extending the handle outward from its recessed position upon detection of activation signals (such as proximity sensors detecting a user approach or key fob signals). This preliminary extension ensures the handle is in the optimal position for user interaction before the user attempts to operate it, resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of the recessed design during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator is added to move the handle portion, then the handle can transition between recessed and extended positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with an electric actuator system that uses electrical signals to control handle position. The actuator receives activation signals from sensors or key fobs and automatically positions the handle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical spring-loaded or cable-based extension mechanisms while providing precise control over handle deployment.
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 provides a sleek, aerodynamic design by keeping the handle flush with the door when not in use, while ensuring easy accessibility and operation, even in conditions like ice or snow, due to its variable speed and torque actuator.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator including an electrically operable motor that is electrically operable in response to an input signal
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at a door of a vehicle, and a handle portion. The base portion has a longitudinal axis that extends along a length dimension of the base portion and a lateral axis that extends laterally across the vehicle. The handle portion is movable along the lateral axis relative to the base portion between a recessed position and a deployed position. An actuator, when operated, imparts translational movement of a sliding element along the longitudinal axis relative to the base portion. As the sliding element moves along the longitudinal axis relative to the base portion, the sliding element imparts movement of the handle portion along the lateral axis between the recessed position and the deployed position according to movement of the sliding element along the longitudinal axis.