Remote Handle Assembly Structure for Reduced Lateral Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote handle assemblies in automotive vehicles exhibit excessive lateral play, perceived as poor quality, and have complex manufacturing processes due to additional components like boxes and covers.
Innovation Solution
A remote handle assembly design featuring a handle bracket, pulley, handle spline, and pin configuration that pivotably couple together, with a pin fixedly coupled to the handle bracket to control lateral looseness, eliminating the need for a box and cover, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional remote handle assembly with box, cover, and multiple fasteners is used, then components are contained and supported, but manufacturing cost and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate components (box, cover, fasteners) into a single handle bracket structure. The handle bracket serves as both the mounting structure and the containment structure, eliminating the need for separate box and cover components while reducing the total number of fasteners required.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains internal components, serves as a mounting surface, and integrates the locking mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If traditional remote handle assembly with box and cover is used, then internal components are protected, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective enclosure function previously provided by separate box and cover components into the integrated handle bracket structure. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the protective function through the bracket's inherent structural design.
3Ease of operation
If handle is rotated by occupant, then recliner assembly is unlocked, but excessive lateral play is perceived as poor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized structural reinforcement and precision fitting at critical interfaces within the handle bracket assembly. By optimizing the local geometry and material properties at the pivot points and connection interfaces, the design minimizes lateral play in the handle rotation while maintaining smooth operational movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote handle assembly for selectively unlocking a component in a seat assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a handle bracket having a hole extending laterally through the handle bracket, a pulley having a pivot hole extending axially through the pulley, a handle spline having a passageway extending axially through the handle spline, and a pin extending through the passageway in the handle spline, the pivot hole in the pulley, and the hole in the handle bracket. The pulley is pivotably coupled to the pin between an unactuated position and an actuated position and the handle spline is pivotably coupled to the pin between an unactuated position and an actuated position and the pin is fixedly coupled to the handle bracket and is configured to retain the handle bracket, the pulley, and the handle spline together.