Powered Door Presenter Mechanism for Handle-Free Vehicle Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door mechanisms require an exterior handle for opening, which can be inconvenient and may not be accessible in all situations, especially for users who need to open the door without grasping it externally.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door system equipped with a powered latch mechanism and a powered door presenter mechanism, where the powered latch is actuated by an electrically-powered actuator to unlatch the door, and the powered door presenter uses a plunger actuated by a second electrically-powered actuator to partially open the door, allowing users to insert their hand and pull the door open without an exterior handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional exterior handle is used for door opening, then the door can be opened by manual grasping, but it becomes inaccessible for users who cannot reach or grasp the handle externally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional exterior door handle from the door assembly and relocates the door opening function to the vehicle body. The handle is extracted from the door and repositioned on the vehicle body structure, allowing users to pull the door open without grasping anything on the door itself. This resolves the accessibility problem while keeping the door structure simpler.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handle assembly mounted on the vehicle body that acts as an intermediary between the user and the door. This handle is positioned on the vehicle body rather than on the door, serving as a mediator that allows users to initiate door opening without needing to grasp the door edge or traditional exterior handle. The handle assembly includes a pull handle and a release mechanism that coordinates with the door latch system.
2Extent of automation
If a powered latch mechanism is used to unlatch the door, then door opening is automated, but additional actuators and control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the powered latch mechanism with the existing door handle assembly. The powered actuator is integrated into the handle structure, and the unlatching function is merged with the manual pulling action. When the user pulls the handle, it triggers the powered actuator to release the latch, combining automated assistance with manual operation in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered latch mechanism is designed to assist the user's pulling action rather than requiring full automation. The system detects when the user is pulling the handle and automatically provides the necessary force to release the latch, then allows the user to complete the door opening action. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex control systems while maintaining automation benefits.
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 the user to open the vehicle door from outside without grasping an exterior handle, providing convenience and accessibility, while the powered door presenter mechanism ensures safe and controlled door operation by retracting the plunger once the door is open, allowing for easy closure.
Implementation Method 1
a powered latch mechanism having a first electrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to unlatch the latch mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a powered door presenter mechanism that includes a plunger and a second electrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to shift the plunger between retracted and extended positions
Implementation Method 3
The plunger engages the vehicle body and pushes the door to a partially open position to define a gap between the second side edge portion and a vehicle body
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body and a door that is movably mounted to the body. The door has a powered latch and an electrically-powered actuator that extends and retracts a plunger from an inner side of the door. A controller unlatches the powered latch and actuates the electrically-powered actuator such that the plunger contacts the body and pushes the door open. The controller then controls the electrically-powered actuator to retract the plunger while the door is open.