Retractable Vehicle Door Handle with Concealed Lock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles face challenges in protecting the lock mechanism from unauthorized access while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, especially in emergency situations where manual access is required.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle assembly featuring a retractable handle, a security plate made of steel, and a plastic cover that conceals the security plate, with a lock positioned within a central opening, allowing for manual access and a smooth, homogeneous appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock is positioned next to the handle for manual access, then emergency access capability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance and security against burglars deteriorate due to visible protection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is nested within a recess in the bracket, with the security plate positioned over it. The plastic cover further conceals the security plate, creating multiple nested layers of protection that hide the lock mechanism while maintaining accessibility through the central opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The security plate acts as an intermediary element between the lock and the external environment. It provides protection and concealment while allowing the lock to remain accessible through its central opening, mediating between security requirements and aesthetic demands.
2Reliability
If a security plate is added to protect the lock, then security against burglars is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible protection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The security plate is nested within the bracket structure and covered by the plastic cover. This multi-layer nesting approach ensures the security plate provides protection while remaining visually concealed, maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic cover is designed to match the color and finish of the door panel, creating visual homogeneity. This color matching technique hides the security plate and bracket components, making them aesthetically integrated with the door panel while maintaining security functionality.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the handle is made retractable to reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the complexity of the deployment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle deployment mechanism replaces complex mechanical linkages with an electric motor-driven system. The motor receives wireless control signals to automatically deploy the handle, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling the retractable configuration for reduced aerodynamic drag.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The present invention refers to a vehicle door handle assembly (1) comprising: - a bracket (3) configured to be fixed on an inner side of a door panel (4), - a movable handle (5) fastened to the bracket (3) and configured for moving between a retracted position wherein the movable handle (5) flushes with an outer side of the door panel (4) and a deployed position, - a security plate (11) comprising a central opening (15) and configured to be fixed to the bracket (3), - a lock (7) configured to be positioned within the central opening (15) of the security plate (11), wherein the vehicle door handle assembly (1) also comprises a plastic cover (21) fastened to the bracket (3) and/or to the security plate (11) and configured for covering the security plate (11), the plastic cover (21) comprising a central opening (23) configured for receiving the lock (7).