Motor-Driven Flush Door Handle Mechanism for Obstructed Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle mechanisms, both motor-driven and non-motor-driven, face challenges in retracting the handle to its flush position when obstructed by physical presences like ice or frost, and require human action for deployment and retraction, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A door handle mechanism featuring a pivotable first and second lever, tie-rods with oblong apertures, a motor-driven cam, and elastic biasing means, allowing for motor-driven retraction even when obstructed, with a deformable assembly that enables translational displacement and reversible movement, reducing bulk and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic means are used to retract the handle to the rest position, then the structure remains simple and compact, but the handle cannot be reliably retracted when obstructed by physical presences like ice or frost
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven actuator automatically activates to retract the handle when obstruction is detected, allowing the system to service itself without human intervention. The control unit monitors the retraction process and triggers the motor when elastic means fail, enabling the system to overcome obstacles independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical elastic retraction system with a hybrid system that incorporates an electric motor-driven actuator. This substitution allows the handle to overcome physical obstructions that would defeat simple spring-based mechanisms, while the control unit provides intelligent management of the two retraction modes.
2Strength
If a translational control mechanism is used, then the handle can withstand considerable loads, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two distinct systems: a pivoting mechanism for normal operation that maintains compactness, and a motor-driven translational mechanism for overcoming obstructions. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall volume manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism dynamically switches between pivoting motion for routine handle retraction and motor-driven translational motion when obstruction is detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain compact dimensions during normal operation while providing the strength and linear motion capability needed to overcome physical blockages.
3Volume of moving object
If a pivoting control mechanism is used, then the mechanism remains compact, but it lacks the capability to reliably overcome physical obstructions during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that monitors the handle retraction process and determines when motor-driven assistance is needed. It coordinates between the compact pivoting mechanism and the motor-driven actuator, activating the motor only when obstruction is detected, thus maintaining compactness while ensuring reliable retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in two modes: normal pivoting retraction for unobstructed conditions and motor-driven translational retraction for obstructed conditions. This universality allows a single system to handle both compact operation and obstacle overcoming without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms.
4Reliability
If motor-driven actuation is added to enable obstructed retraction, then retraction reliability improves, but the device complexity and potential noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven actuation operates periodically only when needed, rather than continuously. The control unit monitors retraction conditions and activates the motor intermittently to overcome obstructions, then allows the compact pivoting mechanism to handle normal operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity and noise while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities where the control unit detects when elastic means fail to retract the handle and automatically activates the motor-driven actuator. This self-service approach allows the system to manage its own complexity by only engaging the motor when necessary, rather than requiring constant manual intervention or complex control systems.
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 reliable, motor-driven retraction of the door handle from its working position to the rest position, even in obstructed conditions, enhancing safety and reducing user intervention and noise, while maintaining compactness and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam adapted to rotate about its axis in order to make the handle translate between the rest and working positions
Implementation Method 2
means for elastically biasing the handle towards the rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A handle mechanism includes a handle and control mechanism. The handle is movable between a rest position flush with the door and a working position projecting therefrom. The control mechanism includes a first lever, a second lever, a tie-rod having ends linked to the first lever and the second lever according to hinged linkages at least one of which has a first oblong aperture parallel to the tie-rod, a device for elastically biasing the handle towards the rest position, a cam, a rod linking the cam to the tie-rod and including a pin. The tie-rod further includes a second oblong aperture parallel to the first oblong aperture and through which the pin of the rod extends in order to make the handle slide from the working position to the rest position in a motor-driven way through an over-travel of the cam when the elastic biasing device are not sufficient.