Vehicle Outside Handle Mechanism for Unlocked Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outside handle devices for vehicles cannot accommodate the operation handle in an unlocked state, leading to poor usability due to the necessity of a locking operation during transition to the accommodated position.
Innovation Solution
An outside handle device for vehicles that includes an operation handle and an electric actuator allowing the handle to move between an accommodated and a use position, with a locking and non-locking accommodating operation, enabling the handle to be in an unlocked state when accommodated, utilizing a four-bar parallel crank mechanism and capacitance sensors for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operation handle is moved to the accommodated position with a locking operation, then the door security is improved, but the usability deteriorates because the handle cannot be accommodated in an unlocked state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lock mechanism's state dependent on the operation handle's position. When the handle is at the accommodated position, the lock mechanism transitions to an unlocked state, allowing the door to be opened without prior unlocking. This dynamic coupling resolves the contradiction by enabling both security (when handle is extended) and ease of operation (when handle is accommodated).
Solution Approach 2:
The operation handle serves multiple functions: it acts as both a manual operation lever for door opening and a control element for the lock mechanism. By integrating these functions, the system allows the handle to be accommodated in either locked or unlocked states, improving usability while maintaining security when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operation handle is manually moved to the accommodated position, then the handling flexibility is improved, but the locking control becomes problematic as the lock state cannot be properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the operation handle's position and automatically controlling the lock mechanism's state accordingly. When the handle is detected at the accommodated position, the system automatically sets the lock mechanism to an unlocked state, providing reliable locking control while maintaining handling flexibility. This eliminates the need for separate manual locking operations.
3Reliability
If a lock mechanism is integrated with the operation handle, then the door security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock mechanism with the operation handle mechanism, sharing common components such as the electric actuator and linkages. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining security functions, as the same mechanical elements serve both door opening and locking purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An outside handle device for vehicle includes an operation handle configured to serve as a handhold at a time of a door opening operation, and an electric actuator configured to drive the operation handle between an accommodated position and a use position. The outside handle device for vehicle is configured to allow a locking accommodating operation having a locking operation of a door latch device fixed to a door and a non-locking accommodating operation not having a locking operation when the operation handle is moved to the accommodated position.