Motorized Handle with Sensor-Activated Torque Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating window and door handles can be cumbersome, especially for large sashes with stiff hardware or for elderly people and those with disabilities, as they require significant manual effort to open and close.
Innovation Solution
A handle with a flexible coupling device connected to a motor and sensor system that detects manual operation, providing a supporting torque to reduce the effort required, allowing for assisted operation without altering the manual actuation process, and featuring a control device that adjusts motor support based on the user's actuation torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of the handle is used, then the operation structure remains simple, but the operating force required becomes too high for elderly people and those with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual operation system with an electromechanical system. A motor is integrated into the handle to provide assisted actuation, substituting part of the mechanical effort with electrical power. The motor activates in response to sensor detection of manual operation attempts, providing torque assistance to reduce the force needed by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system provides self-service through automatic detection and response. The sensor device automatically detects when a user attempts to operate the handle, and the control device automatically activates the motor to assist the operation. This eliminates the need for users to manually engage complex mechanisms or apply excessive force, as the system self-adjusts to provide assistance.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized actuation system is added to assist operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the single handle structure. The motor, sensor device, and control device are all integrated within the handle assembly, combining mechanical operation, electrical assistance, and automated control into one unified component. This merging approach adds functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the components work together within a compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with multi-functionality to justify the added complexity. It can operate in multiple modes: purely manual operation for simple cases, motor-assisted operation for difficult cases, and can adapt its assistance level based on sensor feedback. This universal design allows the same handle structure to serve both able-bodied users and those with limited strength, making the complexity worthwhile.
3Force
If the motor provides continuous support torque, then the operating force is reduced, but the user loses the ability to feel manual control feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The motor support is designed to be dynamic rather than static or continuous. The motor activates only when the sensor detects manual operation, and the control device modulates the support torque based on the detected actuation torque. This dynamic response allows the motor to provide assistance when needed while disengaging when the user needs to maintain manual control, preserving tactile feedback and natural operation feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the sensor device that continuously monitors manual operation parameters such as actuation torque. This feedback information is used by the control device to adjust the motor's support torque in real-time. The feedback loop ensures that the motor assistance is proportional to the user's effort, maintaining natural control feedback while reducing the overall force required.
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
Facilitates easy operation of window and door handles by reducing the manual effort needed, enabling elderly people and those with disabilities to use them without additional learning, while maintaining compatibility with various door and window types and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (27) connected to the coupling element (17) to drive it in rotation
Implementation Method 2
The coupling device (33) comprises an outer, sleeve-like coupling component (43) and an inner coupling component (45) radially surrounded by this, the outer coupling component (43) being connected to the inner coupling component (45) via an arrangement of spring elements (46)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A handle (11) for a window, door or the like comprises a base part (13) designed for attaching the handle (11) to the window, door or the like, a coupling element (17) rotatable relative to the base part (13) about an axis of rotation (R) which can be coupled to a control element of the window, door or the like, and a handle (20) connected to the coupling element (17) for manually operating the handle (11).An actuation aid (25) of the handle (11) comprises a motor (27) which is connected to the coupling element (17) to drive it in a rotating manner, a sensor device (49) which is capable of detecting a manual actuation of the handle (11), and a control device which is connected to the sensor device (49) and the motor (27) and is configured to activate the motor (27) when a manual actuation of the handle (11) is detected in order to assist the manual actuation of the handle (11).