Retractable Door Handle Damage Prevention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retractable outside door handles can be damaged during malfunction or external impact due to the transmission of force when the handle is protruded by an actuator, compromising the exterior design and operational efficiency of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A retractable outside door handle assembly with a damage prevention mechanism that includes a first body contacting a pushing portion, a second body slidably connected to the operation rod, and a selectable locking portion with a spring housing and stopper mechanism to prevent excessive force transmission when the handle rotates in the opposite direction, thereby protecting the actuator and handle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outside door handle protrudes outward along the width direction of the vehicle to improve ease of operation, then the operator's ease of operation is improved, but the exterior beauty of the vehicle deteriorates and driving noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to dynamically change its position between protruding (for easy operation) and retracted (for aesthetic and aerodynamic performance). The actuator enables the handle to move between these states, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and eliminate the need for a permanently protruding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle can be nested within the receiving hole formed in the door outer panel when not in use. This nesting capability allows the handle to be stored inside the door body, eliminating the protruding structure that causes aesthetic and aerodynamic issues while maintaining accessibility when needed.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the outside door handle is made retractable using an actuator to eliminate protrusion, then exterior beauty and driving performance are improved, but the actuator or door handle may be damaged during malfunction or external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The damage prevention mechanism is designed to counteract excessive forces before they can damage the actuator or handle. When reverse rotation force exceeds the predetermined threshold, the mechanism preemptively disengages the drive gear from the rack gear, preventing the transmission of damaging forces to the actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element in the damage prevention mechanism provides cushioning against excessive reverse forces. The spring absorbs and dissipates the energy from unexpected impacts or malfunctions, protecting the actuator and handle components from damage while allowing normal operational forces to pass through.
3Reliability
If a damage prevention mechanism is added to protect actuator components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damage prevention mechanism is merged with the existing drive mechanism components. The drive gear and rack gear that already exist in the system are integrated with the spring element and disengagement features, creating a unified structure that performs both actuation and protection functions without requiring entirely separate protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive gear and rack gear serve multiple functions: they transmit motion during normal operation and simultaneously act as part of the damage prevention mechanism by being designed to disengage under excessive reverse forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated protective components.
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
Prevents damage to components during malfunction or external impact by limiting the force transmission to the operation rod and actuator, maintaining the exterior integrity and operational efficiency of the vehicle door handle system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element resiliently connected to the drive gear, configured to push the drive gear away from the rack gear when the outside handle applies reverse rotation force
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve connected to a fluid supply line... a double-acting cylinder connected to the solenoid valve... configured to move back and forth in response to a fluid pressure change
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable outside door handle assembly has a handle unit including an outside handle having a pushing portion and mounted on a handle housing. The outside handle is configured to protrude by rotating in a first direction. An actuator includes an operation rod configured to selectively push the pushing portion. A door latch lever is rotatably mounted on the handle housing and configured to rotate during protrusion of the outside handle by operation of the actuator. A damage prevention mechanism is located between the operation rod and the pushing portion and configured to push the pushing portion when the actuator is operated. The damage prevention mechanism is configured to prevent a pushing force of the pushing portion from being transmitted to the operation rod when the outside handle rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction in a protruded state.