Retractable Vehicle Door Handle for Low-Drag Flush Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles, especially recessed ones, cause aerodynamic drag and turbulence while providing limited intuitive operation and requiring complex mechanical installations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle that pivots within a window frame recess, actuated by sensors and actuators, eliminating mechanical connections and allowing for a compact, intuitive design with integrated cameras and sensors for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional extendable handle is used on the vehicle door, then the handle provides intuitive operation and mechanical connection for door locking, but the handle creates aerodynamic drag and turbulence while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of pivoting between a retracted position (flush with the door surface) and an extended position (protruding for operation). This dynamic configuration allows the handle to adapt its shape based on operational needs, reducing aerodynamic drag during driving while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is recessed into the vehicle door panel, with the recessed portion housing the handle mechanism. When retracted, the handle nests within the door surface, creating a flush profile that minimizes aerodynamic interference. The handle can extend from this nested position when operation is required.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a recessed handle is used to improve aerodynamics and aesthetics, then the handle blends with the door surface, but the handle requires complex mechanical connections and installation space for Bowden cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (Bowden cables, linkages) with an electric actuation system. An electric motor or actuator is integrated into the door panel near the handle, using electrical signals to control handle extension and retraction, as well as door locking/unlocking. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical cable routing and reduces installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle mechanism, actuator, and locking system are merged into a single integrated assembly within the recessed handle housing. The actuator serves dual functions: extending/retracting the handle and operating the door lock. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mechanical connections between exterior and interior handles, simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned on the outer door panel for conventional operation, then the handle is easily accessible, but the handle creates visible joints and disrupts the door surface aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The handle transitions from a static, visible surface-mounted component to a dynamic, recessed component that can extend when needed. When retracted, the handle disappears into the door surface, creating a seamless appearance without visible joints. When extended, the handle becomes accessible for operation, temporarily breaking the surface continuity only when functional.
4Ease of operation
If the handle is made larger for better operation, then the handle provides easier grasping and operation, but the handle increases aerodynamic drag and requires more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The handle size is dynamically adjusted through extension and retraction. When retracted, the handle presents a minimal profile to the airflow, reducing aerodynamic drag. When extended, the handle provides sufficient surface area for easy grasping and operation. This dynamic sizing allows the handle to provide full operational functionality only when needed, minimizing its aerodynamic impact during driving.
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
Reduces aerodynamic drag, enhances intuitive operation, and simplifies installation by eliminating mechanical connections, while providing integrated camera functionality and versatile door operation.
Implementation Method 1
the handle pivots into an extended position or into a retracted position by an actuator
Implementation Method 2
The transmission element is preferably moved linearly. The actuator is preferably a spindle drive with a spindle and spindle nut, wherein the spindle or the spindle nut is driven via a worm gear.
Implementation Method 3
The actuator is preferably a spindle drive with a spindle and spindle nut, wherein the spindle or the spindle nut is driven via a worm gear.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A vehicle door (1), comprising an actuatable vehicle door lock which cooperates with a handle (2) which is configured to pivot about an axis (4) which runs substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a recess (5) in an outer door panel (6) for the handle (2), wherein the handle (2) pivots into an extended position or into a retracted position by an actuator (7), wherein the recess (5) is arranged in a region of a window frame (100) and the handle (2) is received in the recess (5), wherein the handle (2) pivots at least partially behind the outer door panel (6) in the retracted position.