Retractable Vehicle Door Handle for Protection and Aerodynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle doors with electronic operating elements on the outside are not adequately protected against weathering influences and vandalism, and they can cause damage or wear during travel.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle door incorporates an electronic operating element that can be moved between a stowed position and an operating position, allowing it to be protected when not in use. This element is integrated into a handle element that can also be moved between these positions, providing protection and improving aerodynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic operating element is exposed on the outside of the door for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protection against weathering influences and vandalism deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to operating elementVSAvoidprotection against weathering and vandalism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operating element is designed to be movable between a stowed position (retracted into the door) and an extended position (protruding for operation). This dynamic configuration allows the element to be protected during travel and non-use periods, while being easily accessible when needed for door operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the operating element is exposed on the outside of the door for manual operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the damage and wear during travel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidresistance to damage and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The operating element can dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. When the vehicle is in motion, the element is retracted into the door to prevent damage and wear from environmental exposure and physical contact, while remaining accessible when the vehicle is stationary for manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the operating element is exposed on the outside of the door, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aerodynamics of the vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of operating elementVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operating element is designed to retract into the door during vehicle travel, creating a streamlined surface that reduces aerodynamic drag. When the vehicle is stationary and door operation is needed, the element extends to provide manual accessibility, thus dynamically optimizing both aerodynamics and operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250146335A1Vehicle Door for a Motor Vehicle and Method for Operating Such a Vehicle Door

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A vehicle door for a motor vehicle includes an electronic operating element on an outside of the vehicle door via which an electric door lock can be opened and includes a handle element for opening the vehicle door. In order to create a vehicle door, in which the electronic operating element is particularly well protected, the electronic operating element can be moved between a stowed position and an operating position.