Grab Handle Adapter With Segmented Deformation Element

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adapter devices for grab handles in motor vehicles are either unstable during normal use or inadequate in energy absorption during crash situations, often resulting in jamming issues during deformation.

Innovation Solution

The adapter device features a deformation element with end regions connected by a web, which provides stable mounting in the pulling direction during normal use while allowing controlled deformation in crash situations through defined buckling lines, ensuring enhanced energy absorption without compromising stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the adapter device uses a rigid connection structure, then stability during normal use is improved, but energy absorption capability during crash situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during normal useVSAvoidenergy absorption during crash

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device is segmented into a stable base structure and a separate deformation element that can independently absorb energy through controlled deformation. The deformation element is connected to the base structure but designed to deform separately, allowing the stable parts to remain stable while the deformation element absorbs crash energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the adapter device have different mechanical properties: the base structure is designed for stability and rigidity, while the deformation element is specifically designed with controlled deformation characteristics through notches and web structures that enable energy absorption during crashes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If the adapter device uses a deformable structure for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability during crash situations is improved, but stability during normal use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorption during crashVSAvoidstability during normal use

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter device is segmented into a stable base structure and a separate deformation element that can independently absorb energy through controlled deformation. The deformation element is connected to the base structure but designed to deform separately, allowing the stable parts to remain stable while the deformation element absorbs crash energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the adapter device have different mechanical properties: the base structure is designed for stability and rigidity, while the deformation element is specifically designed with controlled deformation characteristics through notches and web structures that enable energy absorption during crashes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If the deformation element is retained in a displaceable manner, then energy absorption during crash situations is improved, but the risk of jamming in the base part increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorption during crashVSAvoidjamming risk during deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation element is extracted from the base structure as a separate component with its own retention mechanism. It is retained in the base structure through opening/cup interactions that allow controlled displacement during crashes without interfering with the base structure's stability or causing jamming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening/cup structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the deformation element and the base structure, allowing the deformation element to displace and absorb energy while preventing direct contact that could cause jamming between the deformation element and base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adapter device achieves improved stability during normal use and enhanced deformation properties in crash situations, ensuring effective energy absorption and preventing jamming, thus enhancing overall safety and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the deformation element (2) is configured in such a manner that, in a first loading situation, it is supported by a retaining element (1), and that, in a second loading situation, it is deformed in the region of the at least one web (2c)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

it is deformed in the region of the at least one web (2c)... predetermined buckling line can advantageously be defined in the region of the at least one web... at least one edge which is notched in order to define a predetermined buckling line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7607708B2Adapter device for a grab handle

Publication Date: 2009.10.27 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

An adapter device for a grab handle has a deformation element with at least two end regions. The end regions of the deformation element are connected to each other by at least one web and each have at least one fastening element for the grab handle. The deformation element is configured in such a manner that, in a first loading situation (normal use situation), it is supported by the retaining element and, in a second loading situation (crash situation), it is deformed in the region of the at least one web. The grab handle can thus be mounted in an extremely stable manner with regard to loading in a pulling direction, i.e. in the normal use situation, without the energy-absorbing deformation properties of the adapter device being adversely affected in the crash situation.