Retractable Vehicle Door Handle for Lower Drag and Cleaner Styling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles are not only aesthetically unappealing but also contribute to air resistance and turbulence, while their operation can be less intuitive due to visible joints and mechanical connections.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle that pivots about an axle extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with a recess in the outer door panel allowing the handle to be retracted partially behind the panel, reducing visible joints and improving aerodynamics. The handle can be actuated by sensors and motors, eliminating the need for mechanical connections and Bowden cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional extendable handle is used, then the handle is visible and creates joints in the door panel, but this worsens aesthetics and increases air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be dynamically movable between an extended position (for operation) and a retracted position (for aerodynamics and aesthetics). The handle can pivot about an axle extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, allowing it to transition between these states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is extracted from the conventional position on the outer door panel and relocated to the window frame area. This extraction allows the handle to be hidden behind the outer door panel when retracted, eliminating visible joints and improving aerodynamics while maintaining functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the handle is recessed into the vehicle door, then aesthetics and aerodynamics improve, but the handle becomes less intuitive to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors and actuators serve as intermediaries between the user's gripping action and the door lock mechanism. When the user grasps the handle, sensors detect this action and trigger an actuator to mechanically actuate the door lock, providing intuitive operation despite the recessed handle position.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static recessed element to a dynamic component that can extend outward when activated. This dynamic extension provides tactile feedback and visual indication to the user, making the operation more intuitive while maintaining aerodynamic benefits when retracted.
3Reliability
If mechanical connections and Bowden cables are used, then the door lock can be actuated, but installation space and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical connection systems (Bowden cables, connecting levers) with a more compact actuator mechanism integrated into the handle. The actuator directly converts rotational motion into the linear motion needed to actuate the door lock, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and gear mechanism are merged directly into the handle structure, eliminating separate mechanical connection components. This integration reduces the number of parts, minimizes installation space, and simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable door lock actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door including a vehicle door lock to be actuated, which interacts with a handle and is configured to pivot about an axle which extends substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a recess in an outer door panel for the handle, wherein the handle is pivoted by an actuator into an extended position or into a retracted position, wherein the recess is arranged in an area of a window frame and the handle is received in the recess, and wherein, in the retracted position, the handle pivots at least partially behind the outer door panel.