Motorized Door Handle Unlocking Sequence Against Crash False Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door leaf handles in vehicles can unintentionally open during accidents due to acceleration forces, regardless of user input, as they rely on mechanical links or sensors that can be actuated by accident-induced movements.
Innovation Solution
A door leaf handle with a support and gripping element, equipped with first and second detectors that send signals to an electric control unit for controlled unlocking, ensuring the door can only be opened voluntarily by a user, using a capacitive sensor for user presence detection and a trigger or button for displacement confirmation, with a defined time interval for signal reception to prevent accidental unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical link (Bowden cable) is used to connect the handle to the latch, then the door can be opened by pulling the gripping element, but the door may unintentionally open during accidents due to acceleration forces acting on the mechanical link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Bowden cable link with an electrical control system. The gripping element's position is detected by sensors (first detector for rest position, second detector for deployed position), and the latch is unlocked by an electric motor actuator controlled by a control unit, eliminating the direct mechanical connection that transmits accident-induced acceleration forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical control system between the gripping element and the latch. The control unit processes sensor signals and activates the electric actuator only when proper user interaction is detected, preventing direct transmission of accident forces from the gripping element to the latch mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If a sensor is used to detect gripping element displacement for unlocking, then automated unlocking is achieved, but accidental unlocking during vehicle acceleration may still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires a preliminary action sequence for unlocking: first, the gripping element must be moved to the deployed position (detected by the first detector), then subsequently pulled further to trigger the second detector. This two-stage sequence ensures that accidental accelerations during normal operation do not trigger unlocking, as they typically only cause single-position movements rather than the required sequential displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback through multiple detectors that monitor the gripping element's position and movement sequence. The control unit receives signals from the first detector (rest position) and second detector (deployed position) to verify proper user interaction sequence before activating the unlock command, preventing false activation from accident-induced movements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gripping element is recessed in the door, then aerodynamics and aesthetics are improved, but the handle requires more complex deployment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical deployment mechanisms with an electric motor actuator that uses a screw mechanism or similar electrical drive. This substitution maintains the recessed handle's aerodynamic and aesthetic benefits while simplifying the deployment control through electrical actuation rather than complex mechanical linkages.
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 solution ensures safe and voluntary door opening by requiring user input and reducing the risk of accidental unlocking during vehicle acceleration, with optional features like a counterweight mechanism for reduced acceleration and lighting for visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The first detector is a capacitive sensor of a user on the gripping element
Implementation Method 2
the second detector is a trigger, a button or a deformable micro-button
Data Source
AI summary
A handle for a motor vehicle door leaf includes a support, lever, gripping element, electric control unit, first detector, and second detector. The gripping element is fixed to the lever. The gripping element is coupled to the support and displaceable relative thereto from a rest position to a deployed position, and from the deployed position to an unblocking position. The first detector is configured to detect a presence of a user and send a first signal to the electric control unit in response. The second detector is configured to detect a displacement of the gripping member from the deployed position to the unblocking position and to send a second signal in response. The electric control unit is configured to control the unlocking of an electric latch in response to the reception of the second signal after reception of the first signal.