Hidden Vehicle Door Handle Assembly With Elastic Lever Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door opening mechanisms, such as those using optical detection or integrated mechanical switches, are often costly and bulky, making them impractical for hidden or integrated designs in vehicle doors and trunks.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle door opening assembly featuring an elastic lever with a sensor to detect pressure applied to a hidden actuation area, utilizing strain gauges or other sensors like capacitive, inductive, or piezoelectric sensors, integrated within a housing and fastening means that allow displacement detection without visible command buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If optical detection means are used to detect user movement for door opening, then door opening detection capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening detection capabilityVSAvoidcost and system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with a simple mechanical elastic lever that directly contacts the actuation area. When pressure is applied to the hidden actuation area, the elastic lever deforms mechanically, providing a direct and reliable detection method without requiring expensive optical sensors and processing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts only the essential detection function from complex optical systems by using a simple elastic lever that directly measures pressure application. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core functionality of detecting user intent to open the door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If mechanical switches are integrated into brand logos or membranes for hidden door opening, then door handle visibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor handle visibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection function with the actuation area itself by placing the elastic lever directly beneath the hidden actuation area (such as a brand logo). This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical switches while maintaining the hidden design aesthetic, as the entire actuation area serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, a pressure sensing mechanism, and a direct actuation trigger. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device while achieving the desired hidden design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If hidden actuation areas are used for door opening, then aesthetic integration is improved, but detection reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic integrationVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic lever is pre-loaded and positioned to directly contact the actuation area, creating a self-contained detection system. The lever's elastic properties provide inherent feedback and reliability, as any pressure application on the hidden actuation area automatically generates a detectable deformation signal without requiring additional sensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables cost-effective and space-efficient door opening detection, allowing the door to be opened by pressure on a hidden actuation area, such as a brand logo, without the need for visible switches or bulky components.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor comprises at least one strain gauge arranged on the elastic lever and configured to be deformed when the second free end of the elastic lever is displaced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the sensor comprises a capacitive, inductive or piezoelectric sensor configured for detecting a displacement of the second free end of the elastic lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive effect: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

the sensor comprises a capacitive, inductive or piezoelectric sensor configured for detecting a displacement of the second free end of the elastic lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250003264A1Vehicle door handle assembly and associated vehicle door

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 MINEBEA ACCESSSOLUTIONS ITALIA SPA

AI summary

A vehicle door handle assembly includes: a housing providing a recess with an opening; an elastic lever arranged in the recess, having a first end embedded in the housing and a second free end extending in front of the opening; a sensor for detecting a deformation of the elastic lever or a displacement of the second free end of the elastic lever; and a fixing structure arranged around the housing to be fastened to an inner side of a vehicle door panel. The second end of the elastic lever can be in contact with a pin attached to the inner side of the vehicle door panel in front of an outer side location associated with an opening actuation area so that a pressure applied on the opening actuation area leads to a displacement of the second end of the elastic lever which can be detected by the sensor.