Low-Profile Hatch Handle Assembly With Extendable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handle assemblies for vehicle storage compartments require a large packaging volume due to ergonomic considerations, resulting in increased thickness of the hatch cover, reduced interior storage volume, and a less aesthetically pleasing design.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile handle assembly that minimizes the depth of the handle and recessed housing, eliminating the need for a visible recess for finger access, utilizing a translatable, extensible link assembly and a spring mechanism to pivot the handle within a recessed housing flush with the hatch cover surface, maintaining ergonomic leverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional handle assembly is used with ergonomic considerations, then ease of operation is improved, but the packaging volume and hatch cover thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly uses a dynamic mechanism where the handle can pivot between retracted and extended positions. The link assembly allows the handle to move dynamically, providing ergonomic leverage only when needed, while maintaining a compact profile when retracted. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than statically large.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is nested within the recessed housing when not in use, with the link assembly folded into a compact configuration. The intermediate link and slider mechanism allow the handle to be stored within the housing boundaries, minimizing packaging volume while maintaining full functionality when activated.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional handle assembly with visible recess is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle transitions from a static visible recess to a dynamic element that remains flush with the surface until activated. When retracted, the handle is invisible, providing a clean appearance. When operated, it dynamically extends to provide the necessary ergonomic interface, resolving the appearance vs. usability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed housing is designed to be flush with the outer surface, creating a locally smooth appearance. The handle only creates a visible profile when actively extended for operation, maintaining aesthetic quality in the resting state while providing functional access when needed.
3Volume of moving object
If the handle depth is reduced to minimize packaging volume, then the interior storage volume increases, but the leverage functionality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link assembly creates a dynamic leverage mechanism that extends the effective leverage arm when needed, despite the compact handle depth. By using the intermediate link and slider configuration, the system provides mechanical advantage during operation while maintaining a shallow profile, resolving the volume vs. force contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate link acts as a mediator between the compact handle and the pivot mechanism, providing the necessary leverage through its geometric configuration. This intermediary element allows the system to achieve adequate mechanical advantage without requiring a deep handle recess, maintaining both compactness and functionality.
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
This design reduces the thickness of the hatch cover, increases storage compartment volume, enhances accessibility, and provides a clean, modern appearance by eliminating the visible recess area while maintaining or improving leverage functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The handle further includes a spring disposed about the hinge pin pivotably coupling the handle to the intermediate link and adapted to bias the handle towards the link assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile handle assembly adapted for use in a hatch cover of a storage compartment of a vehicle, the handle assembly including: a recessed housing including a top edge defining an opening; and a handle coupled to the recessed housing and disposed conformally within substantially the entirety of the opening defined by the top edge of the recessed housing; wherein the handle is adapted to pivot with respect to the recessed housing about a first pivot axis disposed at an intermediate longitudinal location along the recessed housing and the handle and about a second pivot axis disposed at an end longitudinal location along the recessed housing and the handle. The first pivot axis is formed by a translatable, extensible link assembly coupling the handle to the recessed housing.