Retractable Vehicle Handle Integrating Door Latch Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable handle systems for vehicles require separate actuators for the handle and door latch, leading to increased component count, cost, and weight.
Innovation Solution
A retractable handle system that integrates an electric actuator with a driving member and driving arms to perform both locking and unlocking functions, eliminating the need for a separate door latch actuator by using a worm gear mechanism to control the handle's pop-up and retracting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are provided for the handle and door latch, then reliable door locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the number of components, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handle actuator and door latch actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. The electric actuator directly drives both the handle mechanism and the door latch mechanism through shared mechanical components, eliminating the need for separate actuators while maintaining both locking and unlocking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single electric actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the pop-up/retracting motion of the handle and the locking/unlocking motion of the door latch. This multi-functional design reduces component count while ensuring reliable operation of all door control functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are provided for the handle and door latch, then independent control of handle and latch is achieved, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle actuator and door latch actuator into one integrated unit, significantly reducing the total weight compared to having two separate actuators. The shared motor and transmission components eliminate redundant weight while preserving independent control through the mechanical linkage design.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical connecting structure is used between outside handle and door latch, then door opening operation is achieved, but cable and rod components increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cable and rod components from the mechanical connecting structure. Instead, it uses a direct rigid mechanical linkage integrated into the actuator housing to transmit motion from the handle to the door latch, simplifying the structure while maintaining the door opening function.
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 the number of components, costs, and weight by integrating the locking and unlocking functions into the handle system, while maintaining secure door operation.
Implementation Method 1
using a worm gear mechanism to control the handle's pop-up and retracting operations
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable handle system for a vehicle may include an electric actuator disposed inside a door panel, a driving member configured to be rotated in forward and reverse directions by receiving rotational force of the electric actuator, a driving arm provided to be rotated in the forward and reverse directions by the rotation of the driving member and blocked by the driving member from being rotated in a state in which an operation of the electric actuator is stopped so as to maintain a stored state and a pop-up state of a handle, and the handle which is supported by and coupled to the driving arm and configured to be moved by the forward and reverse rotation of the driving arm.