Retractable Handle with Dual Actuation for Power Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retractable door handles in vehicles often require unintuitive two-handed operation in mechanical designs and become non-functional when electrical power is unavailable, posing a problem for door access in power-loss conditions.

Innovation Solution

A retractable handle arrangement featuring both electrically actuated and manually actuated deployment mechanisms, with a two-state latching mechanism that allows the handle to be deployed manually in case of electrical failure, ensuring door access even without power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an electrically actuated deployment mechanism is used, then the handle deployment is automated and intuitive, but the handle becomes non-functional when electrical power is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle deployment automationVSAvoidhandle functionality under power loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment mechanism is segmented into two independent subsystems: an electrically actuated motor-driven mechanism and a manually actuated mechanical mechanism. Each subsystem can independently deploy the handle, allowing the system to function in either powered or unpowered conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters based on power availability. When power is available, the electric motor operates the handle deployment. When power is lost, the system transitions to manual operation mode where the mechanical mechanism can be actuated by user force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a mechanically actuated deployment mechanism is used, then the handle remains functional without electrical power, but the operation becomes unintuitive and requires two-handed operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle functionality under power lossVSAvoidhandle operation intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional complex manual mechanical deployment mechanism is replaced with a simplified push-button actuation system. The manual mechanism uses a latching system with a single push operation to deploy the handle, eliminating the need for two-handed operation and making it more intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If both electrically actuated and manually actuated deployment mechanisms are provided, then the handle can be deployed in both powered and unpowered conditions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle functionality under power lossVSAvoiddeployment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the operational handle for door opening and as part of the deployment mechanism. The same handle structure is used in both electrically actuated and manually actuated modes, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric motor assembly and manual mechanical mechanism are merged into a single integrated deployment system. Both mechanisms share common components such as the handle arm, mounting structure, and latching system, allowing the system to maintain functionality through either actuation method without requiring completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides a user-friendly and reliable means to deploy the door handle, ensuring accessibility even when the electrical mechanism fails, enhancing usability and safety by offering a secondary manual deployment option.

Implementation Method 1

the latching mechanism is arranged to bear against a support structure and exert a force on the handle to urge it into the deployed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a flush-mounted handle comprises a bar-like handle pivotally attached near one of its ends to a door... A user moves the handle between the stowed and deployed states simply by pressing the front end of the handle against a spring bias

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3274531B1Retractable handle arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.12.30 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~5

AI summary

A retractable handle arrangement (2) comprising a handle (6) movable between stowed, deployed and operative states, and including first and second deployment means (12, 36) both of which are operable independently to move the handle (6) from the stowed state to the deployed state. The first deployment mechanism (12) is electrically actuated and the second deployment mechanism (36) is manually actuated. The second deployment mechanism (36) is a two-state latching mechanism, which may be a so-called 'push-push' mechanism, operable to deploy the handle (6) when triggered by a small inward movement.