Modular Grab Handle With Integrated Lamp Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab handle and lamp assemblies for vehicles often require separate installation and can be damaged during the deployment of overhead airbag modules, complicating manufacturing and serviceability, and lack integrated solutions for secure attachment to the vehicle's structural roof member.
Innovation Solution
A modular grab handle and lamp assembly with a bracket attached to the vehicle's structural roof member through fasteners on the headliner, featuring a pivotally connected handle and a light source integrated between mounting members on the headliner, providing stability and ease of serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grab handles and lamps are installed separately in the vehicle interior, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity and potential for damage during airbag deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grab handle assembly and lamp assembly into a single integrated unit that is mounted together on the vehicle interior. The grab handle assembly includes a mounting bracket, handle, and lamp assembly that are structurally connected, allowing them to be installed as one piece while maintaining the functional independence of each component.
2Strength
If grab handles are attached directly to the structural roof member, then attachment strength is improved, but ease of installation and serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two segments: a mounting bracket that attaches to the structural roof member with fasteners, and the grab handle assembly that connects to the bracket. This segmentation allows the bracket to bear the structural load while the handle assembly can be easily installed and removed by simply detaching from the bracket without affecting the roof attachment.
3Ease of repair
If lamp is integrated into the grab handle assembly, then serviceability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp assembly is designed as a separate, extractable component from the grab handle assembly. The lamp can be removed and replaced independently by detaching it from the mounting bracket, without needing to remove the entire grab handle or the headliner. This extraction capability improves serviceability while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for grab handle and lamp assembly, then adaptability is improved, but reliability during airbag deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grab handle and lamp are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves and deforms together during airbag deployment. This unified structure ensures that both components respond consistently to deployment forces, maintaining their relative positions and reducing the risk of individual component failure or misalignment during the deployment event.
Data Source
AI summary
An interior grab handle and lamp assembly for a vehicle including a bracket configured for attachment by fasteners to a structural roof member. The bracket is disposed on an back side surface of a headliner. An elongate handle is operably connected to the bracket via first and second mounting members disposed on an visible surface of the headliner. A light source is operably connected with an intermediate portion of the bracket. The light source is disposed on the visible surface of the headliner between the first and second mounting members.