Retractable Handle Swing-Arm Lateral Play Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable door handle designs for vehicles suffer from lateral play, which reduces ergonomics and perceived quality, and either require complex electrical systems or unintuitive two-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable handle arrangement featuring a swing-arm mechanism with engagement means that prevents lateral play, coupled with a door latch release actuator that applies a preload and limits handle movement to the active sub-range, enhancing ergonomics and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only the rear end of the handle is supported by a pivotable support mechanism, then the handle can move between stowed and deployed states, but lateral play occurs which reduces ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into two functional parts: a pivotable support mechanism at the rear end for movement, and additional support elements (such as guide pins or lateral constraints) at intermediate positions to prevent lateral play. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism combines different types of mechanical elements (pivot joints, guide pins, lateral constraints) into a composite system that provides both rotational freedom and lateral stability. This composite approach integrates multiple support functions into a unified mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a simple mechanical pivotable support mechanism is used, then the handle can be moved between states, but the handle exhibits lateral play
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt its support characteristics based on the handle's position. In the stowed position, the mechanism provides minimal support to allow easy deployment. In the deployed position, additional support elements engage to prevent lateral play while maintaining the relatively simple mechanical action.
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 significantly reduces lateral play, improving the handle's feel and ergonomics, while maintaining a space-efficient design and avoiding the complexity and cost of electrical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the swing arm comprises an engagement means that in the deployed state engages the support structure so as to substantially prevent lateral play of the handle
Implementation Method 2
the handle can be pulled, usually against a spring bias, to move the handle towards a third, operative, state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retractable handle arrangement (2) comprising a handle (6) having a swing-arm (27) moveable about a pivot axis (24) and arranged to couple the handle (6) to a support structure (25) for movement between a stowed state and a deployed state, and wherein the swing arm (27) comprises an engagement means (40) that in the deployed state engages the support structure (25) so as to substantially prevent lateral play of the handle (6).